BACKGROUND

The Information Specialist in Molecular Biology is a non-tenured Faculty Librarian in the Information Services Area of the Health Sciences Library System. S/he is responsible for providing information services to physicians, researchers and graduate students in the subject area of molecular biology. This position reports to the Head of the Molecular Biology Information Service.

The Health Sciences Library System consists of the Falk Library of the Health Sciences, the Library of the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, and professional and patient libraries at UPMC Shadyside and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. It provides collections and services designed to meet the information needs of the Schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and Nursing, as well as the Graduate School of Public Health, and the hospitals of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. HSLS has an active user education program, participates in the curricula of the health sciences schools, provides a full complement of online information services and supports a large public computing facility. For additional information about HSLS, see http://www.hsls.pitt.edu.

For specific information about the HSLS Information Service in Molecular Biology, see http://www.hsls.pitt.edu/guides/genetics/. The Information Service is further described in the following article:
Chattopadhyay A, Tannery NH, Silverman DAL, Bergen P, Epstein BA. Design and implementation of a library-based information service in molecular biology and genetics at the University of Pittsburgh. Journal of the Medical Library Association 94(3):307-313, July 2006.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide training on the access and use of electronic resources, including Library databases and Internet resources and tools.

2. Provide consultation and reference service to physicians, researchers and graduate students in the subject areas of molecular biology.

3. Participate in the planning and implementation of innovative services associated with information management in molecular biology and genetics. Develop and expand the Molecular Biology Web portal.

4. Participate as member of the Information Services Department of the Library. Participate in Health Sciences Library System committees.

REQUIREMENTS

The applicant must have an MS or PhD degree in molecular biology, genetics, or related sciences. Highly preferred is experience with genetic or protein databases, structural data and visual and multimedia software applications. A Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited school or experience in an academic health sciences library is desirable.

Evidence of outstanding interpersonal, oral and written communication skills must be presented. The applicant must be team-oriented, flexible, and able to work both independently and collaboratively in a complex, rapidly changing environment. Evidence of continued professional growth should also be demonstrated.

COMPENSATION

Salary is commensurate with experience. Position is a full-time non-tenured faculty librarian position, and may occasionally require additional work hours beyond the 40-hour workweek.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send letter of application, resume and names of three references to:
Ansuman Chattopadhyay, PhD
Head, Molecular Biology Information Service
Health Sciences Library System, University of Pittsburgh
Falk Library of the Health Sciences, 3550 Terrace Streets
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
Applications may be sent via e-mail to ansuman[at]pitt.edu
The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.

DEADLINE

Applications accepted until position is filled; first review of applications will begin on May 1, 2007.