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STEM & Health Sciences Librarian

Biola University
On-site
United States
$76 - $96 USD yearly
Public Health & Advocacy

STEM & Health Sciences Librarian

Position Description

Ensures that Biola students, especially those in STEM and Health programs, develop the skills to discover, evaluate, and effectively use scholarly resources. This role provides expert research support and instruction through identifying information needs, implementing innovative strategies, and collaborating with the library team. The position requires strong adaptability, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to continuous improvement.


Alignment with Theological Positions

The person who fills this position must be someone who personally agrees with Biola’s Articles of Faith and Statement of Biblical Principles and who is supportive of the positions taken by Biola as contained in its Eschatology Teaching Position. As such, this person may not speak against or act in a manner inconsistent with these positions during the course of their employment at Biola.


Department

Library


Supervisor

This position reports to the University Librarian.

 

Educational Requirements

  • Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS or equivalent) or a candidate with a bachelor's or master's degree in a STEM or health science field may be considered for hire on a provisional basis with a requirement to complete a MLIS degree within two years of hire.


Work Requirements

  • Exempt, full-time – 40 hours/week, 12 months per year.

  • This position requires personal attendance at Biola’s campus in La Mirada, California. 

  • Travel may be required to remain invested in the scholarship of the profession.


Essential Duties

  • Provide expert-level research consultations and in-depth assistance to STEM and Health Sciences students, faculty, and researchers, guiding them in identifying, evaluating, and strategically utilizing relevant information resources. This includes significant support for complex research methodologies such as systematic reviews, advanced literature searches, and data management.

  • Design, develop, and deliver engaging information literacy instruction, workshops, and tutorials tailored to specific STEM and Health Sciences courses, and collaborate with faculty to integrate these competencies into curricula.

  • Serve as a primary liaison to assigned STEM and Health Sciences departments, actively engaging with faculty, researchers, and students to understand their information needs, promote library services, and curate library resources. 

  • Support ongoing assessment and data-driven improvements across all library resources, services, and initiatives, focusing on optimizing user experiences and outreach effectiveness.

  • Offer guidance and support on scholarly communication topics, including open access, copyright, research impact, and best practices for data management, discovery, and citation.

  • Contribute to general library responsibilities, including participating in library-wide committees, initiatives, policy development, and maintaining professional growth through continuous learning.

  • Foster a positive and supportive environment that reflects the university's spiritual and professional values for all faculty, staff, and students.

  • Live in alignment with the Christian principles and institutional standards of the university.

  • Complete other duties as determined by the supervisor.

 

Objective Goals to be Attained  

The successful candidate will be expected to achieve the following over the first year in the position:

  • Increase Information Literacy Integration: Collaborate with at least three STEM or Health Sciences departments to integrate new, discipline-specific information literacy modules or assignments into their core curricula.

  • Enhance Research Support Impact: Facilitate a measurable increase in research consultations and in-depth reference interactions.

  • Optimize Resource Accessibility: Proactively identify and address at least two significant gaps or access issues within the existing STEM and Health Sciences collections, leading to the acquisition of new, high-demand resources.

  • Strengthen Faculty Partnerships: Establish and maintain strong, productive relationships with key faculty members in assigned departments, serving as their primary point of contact for library services and resource needs.

  • Advance Scholarly Communication Awareness: Develop and deliver at least two workshops or outreach initiatives focused on scholarly communication topics (e.g., open access, research data management) for researchers in STEM or Health Sciences.

 

Required Skills/Qualifications

  1. Experience in providing research assistance and instruction in an academic, medical, or hospital library or university academic department. 

  2. Familiarity with STEM and Health Sciences information resources and relevant teaching methodologies.

  3. Strong communication and interpersonal skills for building relationships and collaborating across diverse groups.

  4. Highly adaptable and resilient problem-solver with a proven ability to thrive and learn in dynamic environments.

  5. Proficient in common office suites like Google Workspace or Microsoft Office.

  6. Exceptional organizational and time management abilities, with a track record of effectively managing multiple responsibilities.

  7. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, and perform necessary physical tasks including lifting up to 20 lbs, bending, standing, and moving carts. 


Other Desired Duties/Skills

  • Undergraduate or graduate degree in a STEM or Health Sciences discipline.

  • Experience with specific research tools, databases, and software commonly used in STEM and Health Sciences (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, specific chemistry or engineering databases).

  • Experience with systematic review methodology and tools.

  • Familiarity with research data management principles and practices.

  • Experience with LibGuides or other content management systems.

  • Experience with instructional design principles.


Rank and Salary

  • Salary depends upon library faculty rank. Example: $76k - $96k.