Assistant Professor for Scholar Support and Data Services

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU >

Position Description

The University of Mississippi Libraries is seeking proactive, collaborative applicants to join our Scholar Support and Data Services (SSDS) department and contribute to our newly established cross-functional STEM liaison team.

This position will focus on advancing research impact and promoting open science practices, supporting both SSDS’s mission of advanced research support and the STEM liaison team’s goals related to teaching, learning, and research.

The University of Mississippi Libraries is committed to supporting the growth and development of early-career professionals.

We encourage applications from candidates who bring foundational knowledge, a willingness to learn, and a passion for supporting research, learning, and teaching.
The successful candidate will report to the Head of Scholar Support and Data Services and will be based in the newly renovated Science Library, located in the Thad Cochran Research Center on the Oxford, MS campus.

Responsibilities:
•    Collaborate with the Scholar Support and Data Services (SSDS) department and the STEM liaison team to develop and deliver services that advance open science practices across the research lifecycle
•    Provide research consultations and instructional support on topics related to open science and scholarly communication, such as author identifers (e.g., ORCID), open access publishing, research visibility, and data management.
•    Collaborate with STEM liaison team members to develop and implement a service model that will result in library engagement across all STEM disciplines
•    Work with the Head of the Science Library to contribute to outreach efforts and strategic initiatives of the Science Library that promote library services and resources to STEM departments, research centers, and campus partners.
•    Participate in library-wide initiatives, committees, and working groups that align with the Libraries’ strategic priorities.
•    Engage in scholarly and professional activities that contribute to the field and meet tenure and promotion requirements.

Position Details

Appointment 12 Month

Assignment Type Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

•    MLIS from an ALA-accredited program or a graduate degree in a related field (e.g., data science, information science, or STEM discipline)
•    Demonstrated interest in supporting research and teaching in higher education settings at various academic levels and for users from different academic disciplines

•    Familiarity with scholarly communication trends, especially related to STEM disciplines (e.g., open science, research impact, research reproducibility)
•    Intellectual curiosity for exploring new ideas, technologies, and methods for providing library services
•    Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Compensation: $55,000/year, coupled with the university’s excellent benefits package.

Application Procedures

Interested candidates should apply online at by submitting a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a list of three references with contact information.

These materials should be attached to the online application.

No print applications will be accepted.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately, and the position will be open until filled or until an adequate applicant pool is established.

If you have any questions, please contact Brian Young, Interim Assistant Dean for Public Services at bwyoung@olemiss.edu.

Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and verification of credentials.

About the University of MS & Oxford, MS

Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university.

Included in the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business.

The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 24,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions.

The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.

Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community.

Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner.

Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in.

Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ.

Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series.

Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community.

UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment.

Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons.

The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other legally protected status.