The Wayne State University Shiffman Medical Library seeks a creative and innovative Biomedical Sciences Librarian. The Biomedical Librarian reports to the Director of the Shiffman Library and liaises with research centers, units, and selected departments in basic sciences and clinical medicine, including public health. This position requires a librarian with a strong background in biomedical sciences. The Biomedical Sciences Librarian works with research units and departments to provide expert searching, information resource training, and support for faculty, students, and staff. The successful candidate for this position is expected to explore and develop new methods for supporting basic and clinical biomedical research at Wayne State University (WSU) and to establish and support collaborative networks within the University.
As a member of the Shiffman Medical Library professional team, the Biomedical Sciences Librarian participates in policy formation and decision-making related to health sciences services, resources, and technologies. In addition to teaching, this position requires service, so the successful candidate will be asked to serve on a variety of committees and teams.
Essential Functions:
- Expand the library’s role in supporting and participating in basic and clinical biomedical research initiatives, determining and proactively meeting the educational and research needs of faculty;
- Develop educational and research-related aids for researchers in such interdisciplines as Molecular Medicine and Genetics; Biomedical Physics; Nanobioscience; Cell Biology and Cytogenetics; Neurobiology; as well as Bioscientific/Technology Commercialization and Clinical and Translational Medicine;
- On the basis of faculty needs, assess overall adequacy of library resources, and identify and pilot materials and information resources for inclusion in the collection;
- Provide liaison services in support of the WSU Division of Research, and its Institutes, Centers, and Core Facilities related to Biomedical Sciences, Translational Initiatives, and associated Clinical Science Departments at the School of Medicine, to include:
- 1) Establishing collaborative networks and relationships with researchers, faculty, and staff;
- 2). Identifying and assessing information needs of personnel, and implementing strategies to fill those needs and
- 3). Increasing the breadth of research support for WSU researchers and scientists, including grant writing support where needed;
The Biological Science informationist is responsible for keeping abreast of new modes of research that supports the School of Medicine and the Goldfarb College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences collaborative science mission, and consequently develop methods of engagement that highlight the Library’s role in promoting and furthering their research agendas.
- Work collaboratively to develop classes and provide instruction on information management skills, information retrieval, and sustainable digital data management and preservation techniques (for example, the Digital Commons);
- Participate in Shiffman Medical Library unit teams, work groups, and/or committees;
- Provides basic reference services in-person and electronically;
- Participate in department, library system-wide, and faculty committees; and
- Actively engage in ongoing professional development, scholarship, and service to the profession.
Qualifications:
- ALA-accredited master’s degree in library or information science;
- 2-5 years of experience as a professional librarian in a biomedical research facility or a health sciences library, serving a strong research faculty as well;
- Substantial experience working with bioscience and/or biomedical information sources;
- Strong commitment to public service;
- Ability to effectively work with diverse library users and staff;
- Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information in an organized and effectively usable way;
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment; and
- Evidence of innovation in delivering library services.
Preferred Qualifications: Coursework in a bioscience or physical science, and knowledge of e-science and scientific data, or an undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry, or physics (may be hired at the Librarian I level).
Substantial level of coursework at the graduate level or a degree in a relevant science (may be hired at the Librarian II level).
Qualifications for Librarian I Rank: Master’s degree from an ALA accredited library school or equivalent. Potential to begin establishing a record of professional achievement and service required.
Qualifications for Librarian II Rank: Master’s degree from an ALA accredited library school or equivalent. Demonstrated ability to carry out competently the range of professional library functions pertaining to the primary assigned area of librarianship required. The ability to work well independently, to make sound decisions and to have constructive/productive interactions with colleagues and continuing record of professional achievement and service required.
According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, Wayne State University, located in the vibrant Midtown area of Detroit, is one of the great colleges to work for. Wayne State University is one of the nation’s pre-eminent public research universities in an urban setting. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world.
Application Procedure: Please submit electronically a complete resume and letter of interest including contact information of at least three professional references to posting number 038285: Wayne State University’s ON-LINE HIRING SYSTEM at https://jobs.wayne.edu. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Wayne State is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.