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Job Title:
Librarian, IS-1410, Grades 9/11/12; $67,743 - $127,707 per year
Type of Position:
Trust Fund (non-federal) Indefinite
Division/Department:
Facility:
Job Location:
Cambridge, MA
Posting Opening Date:
Posting Closing Date:
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
INTRODUCTION:
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY:
This is the position of Digital Technologies Development Librarian in the NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS) Project, High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The incumbent works to support the efforts of the ADS System by designing and implementing new tools, technology and services and will be involved in collection management, assisting with content decisions, documentation and user support. The ADS corpus consists of almost 25 million documents, is growing at a rate of many thousands per week, and is used daily by researchers from around the world.
MAJOR DUTIES:
- In collaboration with senior staff, develops and maintains software tools and documentation for ADS content management and development activities
- In collaboration with project management and stakeholders, processes and analyzes data
- Conducts outreach and collaborates with users and stakeholders to understand their needs and provide feedback
- Strives to promote equitable delivery of services through the development of programs and practices which allow the services to support the users
- Maintains current knowledge of emerging trends, research technologies and research services
In addition to the duties listed above, duties at the grade 11 may include but are not limited to:
- Makes recommendations for new and creative approaches and methods to manage, analyze, and report acquisitions and accessioning of the ADS collection
- Optimizes collection management and user feedback workflows using automation
- Participates in the development and improvement of the ADS collection to meet the evolving research needs of the ADS users community
- Communicates with users and collaborators to understand their needs, provides feedback and serve as ADS liaison
In addition to the duties listed above, duties at the grade 12 may include but are not limited to:
- Act as an expert in acquisitions and make informative recommendations to the ADS Content and Curation Lead for improvement or changes that are necessary regarding the ADS collection.
- Pursue funding opportunities and/or external partnerships to improve collections or collections-related activities
- Lead the planning and the development of digital outreach initiatives
- Serve as an expert resource on issues related to copyright and licensing
QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must meet the requirements specified in paragraphs A or B below.
A. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree;
A. Completion of 1 full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree;
OR
B. A total of at least 5 years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, the applicant must establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided a knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.
Additional education and experience requirements
In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have directly related education and/or specialized experience.
Grade 9: Minimum of one year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 7 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as knowledge of preparation, coordination, execution and assessment of collaborative projects, programs, and events; developing collaborative projects; maintaining comprehensive project documentation with project staff; participating in daily content management activities.
OR
2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's in library science or equivalent graduate degree, e.g., LL.B. or J.D., related to the position.
OR
Equivalent combinations of education and experience.
OR
2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's in library science or equivalent graduate degree, e.g., LL.B. or J.D., related to the position.
OR
Equivalent combinations of education and experience.
Grade 11: Minimum of one-year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as knowledge of preparation, coordination, execution and assessment of collaborative projects, programs, and events; developing collaborative projects; maintaining comprehensive project documentation with project staff; participating in daily content management activities; writing software for data analysis, retrieval and processing.
OR
OR
3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in library science or doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) related to the position
OR
Equivalent combinations of education and experience.
Grade 12: Minimum of one-year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 11 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as knowledge of preparation, coordination, execution and assessment of collaborative projects, programs, and events; developing collaborative projects; maintaining comprehensive project documentation with project staff; participating in daily content management activities; writing software for data analysis, retrieval and processing; pursuing funding opportunities and/or external partnerships to improve collections or collections-related activities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required:
- Knowledge of the theories, objectives, principles, practices and techniques of librarianship
- Knowledge of structured data and metadata formats (e.g. JSON, XML) and applying these formats in API and data harvesting routines
- Knowledge of astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, physics, or space sciences sufficient to communicate with CfA scientists
- Knowledge of programming languages and database query languages (preferably Python and SQL)
- Knowledge of best practices and standards of the library community, and how they apply to digital library technology
- Excellent organization skills and aptitude for complex and analytical and detailed work.
Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resume/CV should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week. College Transcript should be provided if using education for qualification.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please use the following link to visit Smithsonian's Career Page: Smithsonian Institution Job Opportunities Site
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
- Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@cfa.harvard.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace. Please visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/