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Harvard University

Chemistry Librarian Job at Harvard University in Cambridge

Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States, 02238


Basic Qualifications

  • Master's degree in library science, information science and/or chemistry or related fields required.
  • Five plus years of work experience relevant to the position.
  • Teaching experience with popular chemistry databases and relevant tools including SciFinder, ChemDraw, Reaxys, and e-lab notebooks.


Additional Qualifications and Skills

  • Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and antiracism.
  • Undergraduate degree in a science-related field preferred.
  • Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in chemistry or other STEM discipline is desirable.
  • Proven ability to analyze existing systems and implement improvements.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational skills, ability to work independently and collegially, and to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • A commitment to diversity and to serving the needs of a diverse population.
  • Ability to conduct instruction with active learning pedagogical techniques.
  • Demonstrated skills in accessing, retrieving, authenticating, and interpreting computer database content and assessing journal quality for the sciences.
  • Ability to search patent resources is desired.
  • Ability to work in a changing, dynamic matrix environment.
  • Ability to design, implement, and assess new library programs and services.


Additional Information

Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. The amount will vary based on the position and the candidate's relevant experience.

Position Description

  • Learning and Teaching:
    • Works with Science and Engineering team to develop and conduct workshops to promote effective use of information resources.
    • Provides research support through one-on-one consultations, topic-specific reference (virtual and in person), and online instructional materials.
    • Works with faculty to identify and integrate appropriate scholarly resources in the curriculum.
  • Research, Scholarship, and Outreach:
    • Applies subject knowledge to foster relationships with students and faculty throughout CCB.
    • Engages in outreach for areas including intellectual property, copyright, data management and dissemination, and scholarly communication.
  • Scholarly Resources Management:
    • Develops high quality collections, in collaboration with Associate Director of Research, Instruction & Collection Resources, managing collection budget of over $1M.
    • Supports campus needs and helps build library capabilities for research data management.
  • Ongoing Duties:
    • Connects and collaborates with colleagues in science librarianship as part of the Science Libraries Council.
    • Participates in Harvard Library committees, working groups, meetings, and events.
    • Represents Harvard through active participation in relevant national and international professional and scholarly organizations.
    • Ensures responsible financial management, tracking expenses, and following Harvard University's financial policies, procedures, and protocols. In partnership with HL Finance, ensure accountability and compliance with fiduciary requirements.
  • Supervisory Responsibilities:
    • Hires, trains and supervises graduate and undergraduate student assistants as needed.


EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Physical Requirements

  • Job involves use of a mouse and keyboard. May involve lifting library books and materials.


Working Conditions

  • Hybrid position, with 3 days expected onsite. The position is based in Cambridge, MA. For busy periods (e.g. beginning of each semester), more time onsite may be needed.
  • Work location is responsive and subject to change based on business needs. Requests for flexibility will be considered consistent with Harvard University flexwork policies.
  • May interact with collections that may contain dust, mold, or other contaminants.


Job Summary

Although this position will remain posted until filled, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the end of the day on Monday, February 3rd.

Join Harvard Library as part of a dynamic team working to deliver integrated liaison work with Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB) as the Chemistry Librarian and be an active member of the Science & Engineering Services Division, situated in the Cabot Science Library.

Harvard Library is a twelve-year old organization embedded in a four-centuries old institution. Following a transformative change in 2012 that brought together a number of library operations for increased consistency and efficiency, the Library developed university-wide policies for collections and user services in support of research, teaching, and learning. Harvard is bringing its many individual libraries into an integrated organization. Building on its leadership position established through its extraordinary collections, the Harvard Library is growing in new ways to revolutionize the engagement of library staff in research, teaching, and learning.

The Library seeks an energetic, flexible, and innovative chemistry subject liaison to support the faculty, students, and staff of the Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB) departments. Working collaboratively as part of Harvard Library's Science and Engineering Services team, the chemistry librarian will advance visionary changes to user services and outreach to the department and share them with the library community through active participation and presentation in professional organizations and meetings.

The Chemistry Librarian provides specialized and individualized reference and research consultation for undergraduate and graduate students and works proactively with faculty to improve STEM instruction and CCB research efforts. With the Sciences and Engineering Services team, shares in responsibility for providing innovative services such as instructional design and delivery, scholarly communication, e-content (including e-books), and management of intellectual property and copyright.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Research, Instruction & Collection Resources, the Chemistry Librarian will hold office hours in Cabot Library, consult, and present workshops onsite and in library spaces, and build a network of strong relationships throughout CCB, ultimately leading to opportunities and services yet to be envisioned. The librarian supports services and collections for all branches of chemistry, chemical physics, and chemical biology.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Across the Harvard Library, our work is enriched by our diverse campus community. Our unique and wide-ranging abilities, experiences, and perspectives are integral to achieving Harvard University's mission of excellence in research, teaching, and learning for our patrons, our collections, and our workplace. We believe that an inclusive environment that cultivates and promotes understanding, respect, and collaboration across our diverse workforce enables our success.

We invite individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and abilities to be a part of our community of over 700 staff members. Our work with faculty, students and researchers to explore answers to intellectual questions, enduring and new, and to seek solutions to the world's most consequential problems, requires that we not only reflect, but also champion our diverse society.

Harvard Library inspires collaboration, reflection, experimentation, and discovery connecting users to related disciplines and to University-wide teaching resources. The Library engages users through curated discovery, digital collections, reimagined physical space, and specialized research support. Today, Harvard Library's holdings range from traditional print collections to rapidly expanding access to digital resources. Harvard Library provides the University's faculty, students, and researchers-now and in the future-with exceptional experiences and comprehensive access to these materials.

Learn more about our contributions to the academic enterprise by visiting us at http://library.harvard.edu and about the Harvard University community at http://hr.harvard.edu/why-harvard.

The Harvard Library is a proud member of the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) Diversity Alliance.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
  • Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
  • Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
  • Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
  • Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
  • Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
  • Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.


Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only).