Research Data Librarian

About the Opportunity

Brock University Library invites applications for the full-time probationary position of Research Data Librarian from qualified candidates who will thrive in a dynamic, fluid and team-oriented environment. Reporting to the Head of the Research Lifecycle department, the successful candidate will lend their expertise to operationalizing Brock University’s Research Data Management Strategy, following the Tri-Agency Research Data Management Policy, providing data instruction and consultations to Brock’s community of researchers, and building Brock’s unique collection of maps, atlases, and geodata. This role also provides a conduit between the Brock community and the external data and geospatial communities.

The incumbent will contribute to the overall mission of the Research Lifecycle Department, which provides library expertise and services in print and digital maps, GIS, data, scholarly communication, evidence synthesis and research support. The department was formed in 2022 out of an organizational restructuring of the library. This is an exciting opportunity for the incumbent to participate in forming the identity of this new department.

The successful candidate will be a member of the Research Lifecycle Department and will:

• Develop and implement Research Data Management programming and services in collaboration with Head, Research Lifecycle and relevant campus partners
• Collaborate with Teaching and Learning librarians to embed data literacy content into appropriate courses or programs and to develop online learning objects and guides
• In consultation with Collections, develop the library’s data and GIS collection, which currently includes books, atlases, maps, gazetteers, numeric and geospatial data
• Liaise with data communities and represent Brock University Library at the local, national, and international levels (e.g., DLI, ACMLA, IASSIST and OCUL groups)
• Plan, promote, and deliver research consultations, workshops and instruction in topic areas covered by the Research Lifecycle department, as per annual departmental goals
• In collaboration with departmental colleagues, engage in annual goal setting and strategic planning for the department
• Participate in planning of departmental projects and events
• Support the Library’s strategic goals through active membership on working groups and project teams.
• Participate in the development of recommendations for improvements in library-wide policies, procedures, and services.
• Engage in professional development, scholarly activity, and service under the terms of the Collective Agreement.

A start date of July 1, 2025 is anticipated.

Qualified candidates will possess the following:

• A Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library program or its equivalent
• Knowledge of research data management principles and practices
• Ability to advise users in a range of disciplines regarding the use of data, including government, purchased, and geospatial data
• Familiarity with licensed and open-source data resources, applications and file formats
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues both internal and external to the library.
• Evidence of creative and flexible approaches to setting and achieving professional goals.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse workload.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment.
• Familiarity with inclusivity, accessibility, reconciliation, and decolonization initiatives in academic libraries.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills

Qualifications Considered an Asset:

These qualifications are considered an asset. They are not required and we are committed to helping our future colleague develop these skills if necessary.

• Undergraduate degree in statistics, data science, geography or related discipline, such as geomatics
• Awareness of emerging trends in scholarly communication (e.g., Tri-Agency Policy on Open Access Publications, Open Data/Open Science)
• Familiarity with geographic information systems and mapping tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS, R, or Python
• Ability to create engaging and effective learning opportunities.
• College diploma in Geographic Information Systems, Geographic Management or equivalent.
• Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative statistical software packages
• Familiarity with special library collections or collecting geographic resources
• Knowledge/experience with evidence synthesis (e.g., systematic reviews, scoping reviews) or an interest in learning