Associate Director for Research, Instruction, and Clinical Information Services

University of Pittsburgh

Health Sciences Library System

The Health Sciences Library System (HSLS) (https://www.health.pitt.edu/) at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) invites applications for the Associate Director for Research, Instruction, and Clinical Information Services (RICIS). This newly created position offers an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, visionary leader to shape library services at a time of significant growth and innovation within Pitt’s health sciences (https://www.health.pitt.edu/). The RICIS department is central to advancing education, clinical care, research, and community engagement for Pitt’s health sciences community. The Associate Director plays a critical role in implementing the library’s new strategic plan (https://files.hsls.pitt.edu/files/Final_Strategic_Plan_for_Website.pdf), positioning HSLS to advance initiatives for the health sciences community and remain an innovative leader in academic health sciences libraries.

As a key member of the library’s senior leadership team, the Associate Director for RICIS oversees Liaison Services (https://www.hsls.pitt.edu/liaisons), Data Services (https://www.hsls.pitt.edu/data-services), Scholarly Publishing and Communication (https://www.hsls.pitt.edu/scholarly-publishing-communication), and Advanced Information Services (https://www.hsls.pitt.edu/advanced-literature-searching), leading a talented team of 11 faculty librarians (http://files.hsls.pitt.edu/files/hsls-organization-chart.pdf). This position shares responsibility for strategic and operational planning and collaborates with senior leadership, HSLS’ leadership team, library colleagues, and the health sciences community. The Associate Director for RICIS will conceptualize, plan, and evaluate a wide range of research, instructional, clinical, community engagement, and scholarly support services for faculty, staff, and students across the six schools of the health sciences and graduate medical education programs within the UPMC Health System. This position reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for HSLS.

This is a unique opportunity to lead, inspire, and contribute to a culture of excellence within an academic library at a leading educational and research institution. This is an appointment stream faculty position. Pitt provides an outstanding benefits package (https://www.facultyhandbook.pitt.edu/faculty-benefits), including comprehensive medical plans, tuition remission, life insurance, dental and vision coverage, a contributory retirement plan, 20 vacation days, 4 personal days, 11 paid holidays, plus a winter recess.

Specific ResponsibilitiesAdministration, Management, and Planning:Lead the planning, development, and evaluation of information services within the RICIS department, ensuring alignment with user needs, library objectives, and broader library operationsAssess the RICIS department’s organizational structure and distribution of responsibilities and propose strategies to optimize services. The initial emphasis will be on advanced information services, such as systematic reviews, evidence synthesis projects, and searches related to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). This effort aims to prepare for the forthcoming retirement of the Assistant Director for Advanced Information Services.Set priorities for the department in accordance with identified needs, overall library goals, and the library’s strategic planGenerate reports on the impact and accomplishments of the RICIS department, utilizing data and feedback to highlight successes, measure outcomes, and guide continuous improvement.Supervise and mentor the Assistant Director for Liaison Services and the Assistant Director for Data and Publishing ServicesCollaborate as a member of senior leadership and the library’s leadership team on strategic and operational planningCollaborate with the library’s leadership team to foster a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and teamworkMaintain awareness of emerging priorities in the health sciences, advances in health sciences librarianship, and opportunities for HSLS to implement innovative solutionsIdentify relevant professional development to advance HSLS services and prioritiesScholarship and Research:Cultivate partnerships with the health sciences community, library colleagues, and university collaborators on projects such as grants, research papers, poster presentations, and other creative initiativesShare expertise and research findings with the broader academic and professional communities through publication in refereed journals, poster sessions, or presentations at professional meetingsService:Serve on appropriate internal and external committeesParticipate in relevant regional and national professional organizationsMinimum Qualifications (Required):Minimum Qualifications:Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent advanced degreeSeven years of professional and progressively responsible library management experienceProven capability to evaluate organizational and departmental operations, leveraging both internal and external resources to guide informed decision-makingTrack record of strategic leadership represented by identifying opportunities, recommending innovative solutions, and guiding a department or team toward achieving institutional goalsDemonstrated experience and success in managing and mentoring library staff and leading teamsExcellent communication skills, with demonstrated ability to build partnerships and effectively collaborate across internal and external departmentsCommitment to inclusivity, valuing diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and perspectives in research, teaching, and servicePreferred Qualifications:A second advanced degree in health sciences, informatics, information science, or related10 years experience in management and administrationProven expertise in developing and evaluating services related to systematic reviews, evidence synthesis, or IACUC-related searchesDemonstrated successful utilization of Distiller or other SR toolsExperience participating in open-access publishing agreementsUnderstanding of the new NIH Public Access PolicyUnderstanding of the NIH Data Management and Sharing PolicyDemonstrated ability to evaluate and optimize organizational structures to enhance service delivery and operational efficiencyExperience leading organizational changeSuccess in advocating for library servicesVision for the future of health sciences libraries, with a focus on innovation to improve service offeringsEstablished track record in grant writing and securing funding for library-related projectsWork EnvironmentThis position is for a full-time faculty, appointment-stream librarian.Appointment will be at the rank of Librarian IV. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications; minimum $120,000. Relocation assistance is available.The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity, including people with disability and veterans of the armed forces.The University and HSLS are committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all races, genders, ages, ethnicities, cultural heritage or nationalities; religious or political beliefs; sexual orientations or gender identities; and socioeconomic, veteran or ability status.HSLS offers flexible work arrangements which include the option to work up to 15 hours remote/per week.The University of Pittsburgh (https://www.pitt.edu/about) is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. Learn more about Pitt Health Sciences (https://www.health.pitt.edu/).

Review of applications: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Required Application Materials

Letter of applicationPersonal statement explaining how you will draw on your background, experiences, and commitment to contribute to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment (can be included in the letter of application)Curriculum VitaeNames and contact information for three professional references.

Interested candidates should apply at https://www.join.pitt.edu, Requisition #25000110.