Associate Research Scientist

OCLC • Dublin, OH

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a member of the user behavior research activity area, the Associate Research Scientist works with the research team on qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Activities include recruiting study participants; developing and administering online questionnaires and individual and focus group interview protocols; using data analysis programs; and disseminating results orally and in writing. The role also involves user-centered data mining, including analyzing log files from WorldCat and other institutional databases and catalogs to identify search and retrieval patterns and recommend product enhancements and development. In collaboration with the research team, the Associate Research Scientist recommends, develops, and tests user-centered OCLC interfaces, products, and services.

Associate Research Scientists propose, design, execute, and disseminate research. They maintain familiarity with relevant literature, learn new domains relevant to their work, and share findings through scholarly publications, presentations at conferences and workshops, OCLC products and services, proof-of-concept software, and open-source software projects. They work with existing teams and build new teams internally and externally as needed. They communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, promote shared understanding of libraries and information professionals within the broader technical community, and support OCLC’s role in helping librarians and information professionals manage scarce resources in a rapidly changing and diverse environment.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Library & Information Science, Computer Science, Informatics, Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Psychology, Social Science, or a related discipline.
• Three years of research experience, including doctoral research.
• Demonstrated knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods and ability to analyze and synthesize quantitative and qualitative data and information.
• Ability to participate and communicate in virtual and face-to-face team environments.
• Superior written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently, and able to prioritize projects.
• Project management skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, databases, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis programs such as NVivo and SPSS.
• Knowledge and expertise in using social media professionally and to promote research.
• Ability to understand and communicate with technical staff.

Nice To Haves

• Publications in professional journals and conference proceedings.
• Computer analysis and systems design experience.
• Proficiency in one or more non-English languages.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages, such as Java or C++.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, conduct, and complete self-directed research initiatives supporting corporate, division, and member goals and projects responsive to the needs, interests, and current trends of library and information communities.
• Manage projects and meet project, publication, and presentation deadlines.
• Prepare, present, and disseminate research findings through publications in professional, juried journals and papers and presentations for professional conferences and meetings.
• Mentor research assistants and interns and supervise and review their work.
• Prepare and submit grant proposals to fund original research.
• Collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative research data, including recruiting participants and developing and administering questionnaires and interview protocols.
• Analyze log files from WorldCat and other institutional databases and catalogs to identify search and retrieval patterns and recommend product enhancements and development.
• Recommend, develop, and test user-centered OCLC interfaces, products, and services.
• Maintain familiarity with relevant literature and learn new domains relevant to the research.
• Share research outcomes through scholarly publications, conference and workshop presentations, OCLC products and services, proof-of-concept software, and open-source software projects.
• Work with existing teams and build new internal and external teams as needed.
• Communicate across diverse audiences and promote common understanding and consensus about libraries and information professionals in relation to the technical community.
• Support OCLC’s role in assisting librarians and information professionals in managing scarce resources in a rapidly changing, diverse environment.

Benefits

• Best-in-class health coverage.
• Retirement plans with generous company contributions.
• Free use of the on-site fitness center, gym sports, group exercise classes, and game room.
• On-site catering and cafeteria subsidized by OCLC.
• Health and wellness events.
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance.
• Tuition reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
• Company-subsidized pricing on local tickets and memberships.
• Hybrid work environment for many roles, with three days a week on-site and occasional additional days based on business needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree