Reference, Collections, and Instruction Librarian for Molecular and Cellular Biology

Reference, Collections, and Instruction Librarian for Molecular and Cellular Biology
Harvard College Library

65563BR

Job Summary

Join Harvard Library as part of a dynamic team working to renew integrated liaison work with Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) as the Reference, Collections, and Instruction Librarian for Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB Librarian) and be an active member of the Science Libraries Council.

The Ernst Mayr Library seeks an energetic, flexible, and innovative biology subject liaison to support the faculty, students, and staff of the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) department. Working collaboratively as part of the Ernst Mayr library staff and Harvard Library's Science and Engineering Services team, the Reference, Collections, and Instruction Librarian for Molecular and Cellular Biology 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 Ernst Mayr Library collections are worldwide in scope and include many rare copies and unique special editions, and this position helps to maintain and grow them, while also providing access to the collections for users both on and off campus. There is a diverse group of users who engage with the collections and services of the Ernst Mayr library, including faculty, staff, and students from the life sciences and natural history communities at Harvard and affiliated institutions.

Reporting to the Interim Director of the Ernst Mayr Library, the MCB Librarian may hold office hours in MCB department spaces, consult, and present workshops onsite and in library spaces, and build a network of strong relationships throughout MCB, ultimately leading to opportunities and services yet to be envisioned. The librarian supports services and collections for all branches of molecular and cellular biology.

Position Description

Research, Teaching, and Learning (RTL)

Participate in library research services in collaboration with other library staff and provide in-person and virtual reference and research consultation services including specialized research for in-depth inquiries.

Consult with and counsel library users in devising research strategies, identifying appropriate and available research materials (at Harvard and beyond), and provide technical training as needed.

Apply broad knowledge of applicable print and electronic reference sources.

Build relationships and respond to diverse clientele of faculty, students, scholars, and staff to support teaching, learning, and research.

Coordinate and teach course-integrated, subject-specific information literacy opportunities, including the development of lesson plans and materials to be included for classes as requested by faculty.

Scholarly Resources Management

Develop high quality collections and manages a dedicated collections budget.

Support campus needs and help build library capabilities for research data management.

Select monographic and serial works in all formats essential to the collection, consulting faculty and curators, and/or the library director as necessary.

Manage the regular review of subscriptions to identify new opportunities to switch from print subscriptions to electronic subscriptions.

General

Contribute to the Library's public services, programs, and methodology, particularly in the area of reference and research services.

In collaboration with other staff, oversee the daily operation and management of the reading room and other public areas, referring to Special Collections staff, student assistants and/or LHT workers as needed.

Contribute to library strategic planning, policy, and procedure discussions.

Enforce all library security protocols.

Connect and collaborate with colleagues in science librarianship as part of the Science Libraries Council.

Participate in Harvard Library committees, working groups, meetings, and events.

Represent the Ernst Mayr and Harvard Library through active participation in relevant national and international professional and scholarly organizations.

May be required to assist with disaster recovery efforts and integrated pest management program.

Basic Qualifications

MLS from an ALA-accredited school or equivalent education and/or professional work experience.

3-4 years of professional experience in a library, preferably academic.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

A degree in biology or a related science field.

Knowledge of monograph and serials acquisitions functions.

Demonstrated ability in research, teaching, and learning.

Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and antiracism.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to manage competing priorities in a positive, constructive, flexible, and cooperative manner.

Ability to work productively and cooperatively in a team environment, with flexibility and versatility in an evolving work situation required.

Experience with ExLibris's Alma.

Experience with online vendor systems, such as EBSCONET and Fokus (Harrassowitz).

Demonstrated proficiency with technology, including significant experience with integrated library systems and bibliographic utilities, and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Ability to work independently to perform complex tasks.

Working Conditions

The position is based onsite in Cambridge, MA. There may be the opportunity for a flexible or hybrid work model compliant with Harvard University remote work policies.

Interacting with collections that may contain dust, mold, or other contaminants.

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). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ) 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.

Job FunctionLibrary
Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code386057 Library Professional
Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit
Salary Grade

057

DepartmentScience and Engineering Services/Ernst Mayr Library
Annual Salary Range

$74,200 to $126,200

Union00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment ScreeningCriminal, Education, Identity