Posting 24-31
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates.
NOTE: This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 12. Selection for this position to be made at the grade 11 . Candidates may be non-competitively promoted to the next grade level, up to grade 12, upon the recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance and qualifications of the employee.
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:
The position serves as the Digital Technologies Development Librarian in the NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS) Project, High Energy Astrophysics Division of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
MAJOR DUTIES:
- Develop and maintain software tools and documentation for SciX content management and development activities, in collaboration with senior staff.
- Make recommendations for new and creative approaches and methods to manage, analyze, and report acquisitions and accessioning of the SciX collection
- Optimize collection management and user feedback workflows using automation
- Participate in the development and improvement of the SciX collection to meet the evolving research needs of the SciX users community
- Participate in the curation and use of knowledge manage systems to support indexing and discovery of SciX content
- Communicate with users and collaborators to understand their needs, provide feedback and serve as SciX liaison
- 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 trands, research technologies and research services
- Other duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS:
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;
In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have directly related education and/or specialized experience in the amounts required for the grade level as shown below.
Have completed 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education in library science
or have completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree related to the position
OR
A combination of experience and education as described above that equates to one year of experience. My percentage of the required education plus my percentage of the required experience must equal one hundred percent.
- A professional knowledge of the theories, principles and objectives of librarianship and digital library management as applied to research libraries catering to the physical sciences.
- Knowledge of digital library technology, databases, the internet, and the development of Web resources to assist with planning, design, implementation, installation, and user education required for optimal use of these systems and resources; the incumbent must also be able to recommend enhancements to the systems offered by the library as technology evolves.
- Knowledge of Linux/Unix as environments for software development, preferably using version control
- Knowledge of structured data and metadata formats (e.g. JSON, XML) and applying these formats in API and data harvesting routines
- Excellent organization skills and aptitude for complex and analytical and detailed work
- Knowledge of and the ability to locate information from a wide variety of sources
- Ability to modify standard library practices and techniques and adapt computer systems
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please use the following link to visit Smithsonian's Career Page: Smithsonian Institution Job Opportunities Site
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact the Human Resources Specialist listed. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis
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.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace.
Visit the SAO website at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds supports and enhances our daily work life and contributes to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. For more information on the Smithsonian EEO program please see www.si.edu/oeema.