Director of Computational Methods and Data, Yale Library

Yale Library seeks an innovative and service-focused Director for a new cross-disciplinary unit: Computational Methods and Data.

The Director for Computational Methods and Data will focus on strengthening and enhancing an array of current and emerging research support services, in partnership with knowledgeable library staff and graduate student employees. The Director will be called on to advance a vision for Computational Methods and Data drawing on Yale Library’s strengths in digital humanities, research data, statistical support, and geographic information systems (GIS). Services supported through the department include support for text & data mining on both library and vendor-provided datasets, enabling complex mapping and GIS analysis, data access and sharing, as well as instruction and consultation in programming languages and research software such as R, Python, and ArcGIS. The Director will also direct the Franke Family Digital Humanities Lab.

Yale Library continues to make significant investments in facilities and services with the opening of the Franke Family Digital Humanities Lab and renovations at the Marx Science and Social Science Library. In addition, the university created a new Data-Intensive Social Science Center (DISSC) to serve as a university-wide hub for data-based research and programming in the social sciences. Facilities and services such as these – both inside and outside the library – comprise the emerging ecosystem within which the Director of Computational Methods and Data will operate and exercise leadership. The Director will be an ambassador for the department to campus units, such as DISSC, the Yale Center for Research Computing, Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, the Institution for Social and Policy Studies, and serve as a key internal partner for relevant library units.

For this role, we seek a professional manager with experience leading a diverse and growing team of professionals: GIS and data librarians, statistical specialists, developers, and digital humanities specialists. We are looking for experience with academic research practices. We seek a colleague with excellent listening and communication skills, including the ability to work with fellow library staff on internal committees as well as with other research support professionals on University-wide and cross institutional initiatives. We seek a passionate commitment to the “user experience” of being a researcher in today’s academy, whether at the undergraduate, graduate, practitioner, or faculty stage. Finally, we seek an individual with a thoughtful perspective on accountability responsibility and their influence on research output in the era of large datasets and algorithmic analysis.

Principle Responsibilities

• Provides direction, vision, and leadership for Computational Methods and Data. Operationalizes strategic priorities and goals within the department. Manages a growing team, fostering collegial teamwork between the department staff and student employees. Builds and maintains strategic partnerships and collaboration within the library, and with other campus constituencies (such as the Data-Intensive Social Science Center, Yale Center for Research Computing, Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, the Institution for Social and Policy Studies, and Information Technology Services), and with external peers Leads all operational aspects of the department, including budget administration, human resources, and assessment. Creates and implements strategies that ensure services, including instruction, are delivered in an effective manner. Fosters a customer focused service environment informed by user assessment. Manages and pursues endowments, grant awards, and fellowship opportunities that advance services. Engages with and contributes to national conversations relating to computational methods, data science, digital humanities, geospatial science, and statistical support services, and demonstrating a thorough understanding of trends.

Required Education and Experience

A Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent degree or other relevant advanced academic degree. Five years of professional experience.

• 3 or more years of supervisory, leadership, and project management experience, with demonstrated success in promoting teamwork, collaboration, and support for professional growth.

Skills and Abilities

• Required
  • Demonstrated ability developing and managing programs or project in fields such as digital humanities, digital science, digital social sciences, digital art, data science, or geospatial science. Evidence of significant change management primarily in the definition and introduction of new services in a research environment. Demonstrated understanding of the data needs of the academic community. Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing. Listens to others and effectively comprehends information. Outstanding interpersonal skills and demonstrated success in building and maintaining effective partnerships. Demonstrated understanding of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and ethical issues in digital research methods.
     
  Preferred
  • Experience with grant applications and administering grant funded programs. Teaching experience in an academic library or academic department. Familiarity with assessment and evaluation methods; creative, innovative, and motivated to engage in ongoing assessment of services.