Head of Academic and Clinical Research Support

UC Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The UC Irvine Libraries seek a creative, knowledgeable Head of Academic and Clinical Research Support to join our collaborative team in Irvine. This full-time librarian role reports to the AUL for Public Services, guiding reference and clinical research support across Irvine and Orange locations.

The position leads five librarians and nine staff, shaping programs, services, and assessment, and collaborating with UC Irvine Health and campus units to support research and clinical information needs.

Qualifications

• MLS/MLIS or equivalent library/advanced degree
• Five years post-graduate degree professional experience in academic/library setting
• Experience delivering reference and consultation services for complex research questions
• Evidence of cross-department collaboration in program/service development
• Commitment to evidence-based decision making and user-centered service design
• Experience leading dynamic teams and motivating groups
• Commitment to inclusive and welcoming environment
• Ability to meet UC criteria for advancement and promotion

Responsibilities

• Advance reference and clinical research support through vision, planning, and evaluation.
• Lead and mentor Academic & Clinical Research Support team and oversee Grunigen Medical Library.
• Contribute to Libraries' strategic goals as a department head and leadership council member.
• Analyze trends, manage resources, and improve library UX and services.

Skills

Leadership

Collaborative teamwork

User-centered service design

Evidence-based decision making

Communication

Diversity & inclusion

Education

ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS or equivalent

Job description

Position Overview

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University of California pay scales. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience based on the University of California pay scales. Appointment is anticipated to be at the Associate Librarian or Librarian rank with a salary of $83,321- $149,726. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and salary point at appointment.

See Table for Non-Represented Librarians

Application Window

Open date: October 5, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Nov 2, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Nov 9, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position Description

Head of Academic and Clinical Research Support

The University of California, Irvine Libraries seeks a creative, knowledgeable, and user-oriented Head of Academic and Clinical Research Support to join our collaborative team. Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Public Services, this full-time librarian position is a key member of the Libraries’ Leadership Council and Public Services Leadership team, ensuring effective, high-quality reference, user experience, and clinical care support services. Supervising a department that includes five librarian and nine staff colleagues who broadly support the academic and healthcare communities at UC Irvine, the Head of Academic and Clinical Research Support provides leadership in planning, development, delivery and assessment of library research support services at our Irvine and Orange library locations. As a member of the Public Services Leadership team, this position contributes to the long‑range planning of library programs, services, and policies by working collaboratively with other leaders at UC Irvine Libraries and advises the AUL for Public Services on programmatic areas and strategic initiatives. This position is based in Irvine but will require occasional travel to the Grunigen Medical Library at the UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange.

The UC Irvine Libraries are fully committed to inclusive excellence , and we encourage applicants to address how their skills, expertise, and experiences might serve the varied communities of California. Please feel free to include relevant information in any of your application materials.

Qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Management & Leadership

• Advance the role and expertise of library colleagues in areas of reference and research support through vision setting, planning, coordinating, and evaluating reference and clinical research support services.
• Lead, supervise and mentor Academic & Clinical Research Support team, oversee the Grunigen Medical Library, and foster a culture of continued professional growth and provision of excellent, user-oriented services.
• Contribute to the setting and advancing of the Libraries strategic goals as a members of Public Services department heads, Leadership Council and representative on relevant Libraries, University, and UC systemwide committees.
• Analyzes trends and manages resources, library database UX deliberations, and collections in alignment with departmental and Libraries’ goals.

Academic & Clinical Research Support

• Partner with campus, UCI Health, and library colleagues to promote the libraries roles in supporting the research, evidence synthesis, and clinical information needs.
• Actively partners with colleagues across Libraries’ division to guide librarian liaison program and advance library service integration throughout the research, education, and clinical services of UC Irvine.
• With other leaders and user experience colleagues, facilitate the continued evaluation and improvement of library resources and services to improve the UC Irvine community’s library experience.

Qualifications

Required

• Graduate degree in library science from an ALA-accredited institution or an equivalent combination of relevant advanced degree and library experience
• Five years post-graduate degree professional experience working in academic or library setting
• Experience delivering reference & consultation services in support of complex research questions in academic or clinical research settings.
• Evidence of effective cross departmental collaboration in the development of programs or services.
• Commitment to evidence-based decision making in support of user-centered service design, assessment and improvement of library services.
• Evidence of leading dynamic teams and motivating groups to achieve common goals.
• Demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively and fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment
• Ability to meet the University of California criteria for advancement and promotion

Preferred

• Strong service orientation and commitment to user-centered practice.
• Demonstrated successful management of a public facing services department or unit.
• Record of research, scholarly publications or involvement in regional and national professional organizations in areas of research/reference support, clinical support, or academic librarianship.
• Experience assessing effectiveness of library services and programs using qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Experience with budget management and resource allocation.

The Academic and Clinical Research Support Department

The Academic and Clinical Research Support Department consists of six librarians, including the Department Head, and nine career staff located in the Grunigen Medical Library, the Langson Library and the Science Library. Our vision: the Academic and Clinical Research Support Department ensures that all people-regardless of their identity and the nature or method of their query- are supported and empowered to effectively and independently navigate the resources available to them that meet their information needs.

The UCI Libraries

At the heart of the University of California, Irvine’s academic community, the UC Irvine Libraries plays a vital role in enabling our outstanding students, faculty, and researchers to create new knowledge, develop lifelong learning skills, and make meaningful contributions to society. We value innovation and collaboration, and we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our commitment is described in our Diversity Statement and Plan . The UC Irvine Libraries received the 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine , a leader in advancing best practices in DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in higher education.

The Libraries’ physical spaces consist of the Langson Library, the Science Library, the Library Gateway Study Center, and the Grunigen Medical Library (located at the UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange, CA). These locations provide a welcoming and technology-enhanced environment valued by students as places for study, research, and collaboration. Together, they contain