Associate Research Scientist

OCLC; Dublin (OH); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness center

Gym sports

Group exercise classes

Game room

Onsite catering

Café subsidy by OCLC

Health and wellness events

Paid parental leave

Adoption assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Discounts on local tickets/memberships

Job summary

OCLC is seeking an Associate Research Scientist to join the User Behavior Research team. You will design and conduct qualitative and quantitative studies, recruit participants, develop questionnaires, and analyze data to inform product decisions.

You will mine user data from WorldCat and other catalogs, publish findings, present at conferences, and contribute to open source projects. The role requires strong communication, independent work, and collaboration with diverse teams.

Job description

Together we make breakthroughs possible.At OCLC, we build technology with a purpose: to connect libraries and make knowledge accessible worldwide, because we believe that what is known must be shared. Our teams work with complex global datasets, AI and machine learning, hybrid cloud solutions, and other technologies that connect people and organizations to the information they need. We value the power of unique perspectives and experiences to unlock innovation. At OCLC, your ideas matter, whether you have two years of experience or 20. You’ll learn, create, and problem-solve with technologists, product developers, librarians, researchers, marketing pros, and support teams around the world.Why join OCLC?OCLC is consistently recognized as a best place to work by several independent programs. We recognize and reward people and results with a comprehensive Total Rewards package. This means competitive compensation that reflects your unique contributions—performance, experience, and skills—along with exceptional benefits, including best-in-class health coverage, retirement plans with generous company contributions, and a commitment to your overall well-being.We know the best ideas don’t always happen at a desk. Take a walking meeting around our 100-acre campus or enjoy lunch on the patio. We’re committed to your success—both personally and professionally. Hybrid work environment: For many roles, three days a week on-site, with occasional additional days based on business needs.Free use of our on-site fitness center, gym sports, group exercise classes, and game roomOnsite catering and cafeteria subsidized by OCLCHealth and wellness eventsWork environments with individual and team spaces and the latest technology toolsPaid parental leave and adoption assistanceTuition reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibilityCompany-subsidized pricing on local tickets and membershipsJoin us in transforming how people everywhere access information and be part of a mission-driven team that makes a global impact.The job details are as follows:As a member of the user behavior research activity area, the Associate Research Scientist will work with the research team on all aspects of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, such as recruitment of study participants, development and administration of online questionnaires and individual and focus group interview protocols, use of data analysis programs, and oral and written dissemination of results. Responsibilities also include user-centered data mining activities, such as analyzing log files from WorldCat and other institutional databases and catalogs in order to identify search and retrieval patterns to make recommendations for product enhancement and development. Working with the research team, the Associate Research Scientist also will make recommendations, develop, and test user-centered OCLC interfaces, products, and services.Associate Research Scientists are expected to propose, design, execute, and disseminate research. To achieve this, it is necessary to maintain familiarity with the literature in their domain of expertise, acquire and demonstrate understanding of new domains relevant to their work, and bring these skills to bear through the scholarly publication process, which includes public presentation of research results at conferences and workshops, and through OCLC products and services. Production of proof-of-concept software and participation in open source software projects are alternative and complementary means of sharing research outcomes internally with OCLC and externally with the community at large. Associate Research Scientists are expected to work with existing teams and build new teams internally and externally as needed to further their research. Associate Research Scientists must be able to communicate with a diverse range of people with varying backgrounds and perspectives and promote common understanding and consensus about the role of libraries and information professionals in relation to the larger technical community. Associate Research Scientists must support OCLC’s role as a change agent that assists librarians and information professionals in managing scarce resources in a rapidly changing, diverse environment.Major Responsibilities:Initiate, conduct, and complete self-directed research initiatives to support corporate, division, and member goals and projects that are responsive to the needs, interests, and current trends of the library and information communitiesManage projects and meet project, publication, and presentation deadlinesPrepare, present, and disseminate research findings by publishing in professional, juried journals and developing papers and presentations for professional conferences and meetingsMentor research assistants and interns and supervise and review their workPrepare and submit grant proposals to fund original researchMinimum Qualifications:Ph.D. Library & Information Science, Computer Science, Informatics, Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Psychology, Social Science, or related discipline3 years of research experience, including doctoral researchDemonstrated knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods and the ability to analyze and synthesize quantitative and qualitative data and informationDemonstrated ability to participate and communicate in virtual and face-to-face team environmentsSuperior written, oral, and interpersonal communication skillsSelf-motivated and able to work independently and to prioritize projectsProject management skillsExperience with Microsoft Office, database, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis programs, i.e., NVivo, SPSS.Knowledge and expertise using social media professionally and to promote researchAbility to understand and communicate with technical staffDesirable But Not EssentialPublications in professional journals and conference proceedingsComputer analysis and systems design experienceProficiency in one or more non-English languagesProficiency in one or more programming languages, e.g., Java, C++Working Conditions: Normal office environment.ADA/EAA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be the principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.