Associate Research Scientist

OCLC; Dublin (OH); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

OCLC Research in Dublin, Ohio is expanding its Research Insights team and seeking an associate research scientist to contribute across qualitative, quantitative, and technical projects. You will work with large, diverse datasets, conduct interviews and surveys, and translate findings for library leaders.

This hybrid role requires on-site presence in Dublin three days per week with remote work options as needed, enabling collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required or strongly preferred in a relevant field such as library and information science, social science, or data science.
• Demonstrated experience across the research lifecycle from ideation to publication.
• Strong written and oral communication for non-academic audiences.
• Ability to work on-site in Dublin, Ohio, three days per week.
• Experience with large datasets and research workflows.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research projects across the full lifecycle, from framing questions to communicating results.
• Apply qualitative, quantitative, and technical methods as needed by projects.
• Utilize AI tools to augment research processes and ensure reproducibility of workflows.
• Analyze datasets using Python/R and collaborate with data/tech staff on data access and quality.
• Co-author blog posts, reports, and briefs for library audiences.

Skills

Research lifecycle

Qualitative methods

Quantitative methods

Python

Data analysis

Education

Master's in library/information science

Tools

Python

R

Job description

About OCLC

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 room Onsite catering and cafeteria subsidized by OCLC Health and wellness events Work environments with individual and team spaces and the latest technology tools Paid parental leave and adoption assistance Tuition reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility Company-subsidized pricing on local tickets and memberships Join us in transforming how people everywhere access information and be part of a mission-driven team that makes a global impact.

Job Details

We're growing our Research Insights team at OCLC Research, and we're looking for an associate research scientist to join us. You'll work alongside two senior research scientists and two data and software engineering professionals, contributing to projects that help libraries navigate technology transformation, changing institutional and organizational landscapes, and support research, teaching, and learning. We're looking for an enthusiastic generalist: someone ready to dive into a range of qualitative, quantitative, and technical projects. You'll draw on large, complex datasets, often OCLC's own data, sometimes collected elsewhere, but you'll also conduct interviews, run surveys, synthesize literature, and help design studies from the ground up. You'll turn what you find into research that matters to library leaders and practitioners, and you'll share that work directly with the people who use it through blog posts, reports, and webinars. This position is a great fit if you have demonstrated research experience across methods, a working knowledge of library work, and the curiosity and flexibility to pick up whatever skills a given project requires, including quantitative and technical skills.

Major Responsibilities

• Contribute to research projects across the full lifecycle, from framing questions and designing studies to collecting, analyzing, and communicating results
• Work with a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, matching the approach to the research question rather than a single toolkit
• Utilize generative AI tools to assist and augment the research process – in particular to create data preparation and analysis workflows that can be verified and repeated.
• Analyze datasets using Python, R, statistical tools, or qualitative analysis methods as the project requires, partnering with technical staff on data access and quality where needed
• Build your knowledge of library cataloging systems, metadata standards, and library work, and apply that knowledge to research design
• Explore how linked data and AI-enabled discovery and workflow tools are reshaping metadata and library operations
• Co-author blog posts, reports, and briefs that translate research findings for a library audience
• Represent OCLC in webinars and other external communications
• Bring new tools and methods to the team as you continue building your skills

Minimum Requirements

• A master's degree in a relevant field (library and information science, social science, data science, or related); a doctorate is not required but is encouraged
• Demonstrated experience across the research lifecycle, from ideation to completion
• Comfort with at least one area of research methods (qualitative, quantitative, or technical), and a genuine willingness to learn others
• Clear writing and communication skills, with the ability to make research accessible to a library audience
• The ability to work on-site in Dublin, Ohio, three days a week

Preferred — not required

• A working knowledge of library cataloging systems, library operations, or library work more broadly
• Comfort working with large datasets in Python, R, or similar tools
• Experience with relational databases
• Prior experience working in a library setting
• Interest in linked data, knowledge graphs, or AI-enabled discovery and workflow tools
• Experience writing for a professional, non-academic audience
• Experience presenting at webinars or conferences

Why OCLC Research

At OCLC Research, you'll join a team that connects research to practice for libraries worldwide. You'll have the support of an experienced team, access to OCLC's data and member library network, and the chance to shape work that helps library leaders make the case for the value they provide.

Work arrangement

This is a hybrid role based at OCLC headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, with three days on-site and two days remote each week. 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.

Who we are

We are a non-profit global technology company that develops innovative services for libraries. Together with member libraries, we connect people to the resources they need to learn and grow, and ultimately, to transform the world. We connect libraries to other libraries, making their work more efficient and effective. Our large-scale, high-performance cloud computing services enable libraries to share data, work, and resources to save money and better serve their communities.

What we do

We are dedicated and passionate about libraries—and helping them change lives. Our goal is to provide innovative technologies for every library to help them meet the demands of a rapidly changing digital world.

Live our values

New ideas. Open dialog. Hard work. Recognition. Purpose.

We offer a dynamic, fulfilling work environment that is productive, collaborative, innovative—and fun.

We are consistently rated among the top employers within Central Ohio and across the IT landscape.

There is a strong, team-based culture where everyone is appreciated and focused on common goals. You will make a difference.

OCLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.