Research & Instructional Services Librarian

Research & Instructional Services Librarian

The University of Alabama Job Location: Apply By: 09/21/2026 Date Created: 08/21/2026

RESPONSIBILITIES

The University of Alabama seeks a forward-thinking librarian with innovative ideas for learning-centered approaches to research and instructional services. This position will support the development and deployment of learner-centered approaches to research and instructional services in STEM disciplines. Reporting to the Director of Research Computing Services, this position works with campus faculty to develop instruction materials and library assignments, and to identify needs and opportunities for outreach in assigned academic departments mostly consisting of STEM disciplines. The position will work collaboratively within The Eric and Sara Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering. This library primarily serves the College of Arts and Sciences STEM fields, the College of Engineering, the College of Nursing and the new School of Data Science.

The position will also participate in First Year Writing and other liaison duties shared across University Libraries. The ideal candidate possesses a strong desire to teach and seeks out further knowledge in teaching and learning theories. They will be responsible for developing a robust instruction and outreach program, both in-person and online, while also offering software application training and support related to areas of liaison responsibilities for the disciplines assigned. This position also participates actively in instruction for the First-year Writing program. This position promotes collaboration and shared information experiences among students, assists with development and implementation of assessment initiatives aimed at improving services and collections, and creates and utilizes a variety of technologies and media for the advancement of library goals and objectives. This position collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders to conceptualize, define, and deliver contemporary services in support of cutting-edge approaches in instruction, research and reference, participating actively in in LibChat services and assessment activities. As part of the liaison role, this position will assist with instructional design initiatives and projects and continuously create and update digital learning objects in support of teaching and learning.

This position may also provide outreach to non-academic units, such as student groups, to develop events and services that promote the University Libraries, and perform other duties/functions as requested. This position will work collaboratively across University Libraries and specifically with Research Computing Services (RCS) and Research Data Services (RDS) to promote and integrate AI literacy, research computing, data services, data literacy, and data curation into library instruction, workshops, and digital learning objects across the disciplines. This position will also assist with oversight of student developer projects and integration of RCS into the curriculum.

The University of Alabama Libraries liaison program emphasizes outreach and seeking opportunities to work with campus faculty and students. Working in a team environment in the University Libraries, the successful candidate must be willing to continually learn, develop, and apply additional expertise through work related experiences and professional development opportunities. They will pursue grant writing opportunities and submission of projects relevant to the mission of University Libraries and the University of Alabama. They must also possess the ability to navigate change and ambiguity as they successfully solve the types of complex problems encountered in research settings.

Responsibilities of the position evolve as the library environment continues to change.

This position reports to Dr.VinScalfani, Director of Research Computing Services. To learn more about Dr. Scalfani’s research interests, publications, and scholarly contributions, please visit the following sites.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One to three years of experience providing reference/instructional services in an academic library setting.
• Teaching experience.
• Knowledge of funding sources and organizations for grant revenues.
• Experience submitting grant proposals.
• Experience developing LibGuides, tutorials, and digital learning objects.
• Experience with Blackboard or another Learning Management System.

ENVIRONMENT

The University of Alabama, The Capstone University, is the State of Alabama’s flagship public university, and the senior comprehensive doctoral level institution in Alabama. UA is an R1 institution, earning the Very High Spending and Doctorate Production status in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. UA enrolls over 40,000 students from all 67 Alabama counties, all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 95 countries. In 2024, Graduate School enrollment jumped 5.4% with 6,001 students.

University of Alabama students continue to win prestigious national awards. Sixty-nine UA students have been named Goldwater Scholars. The University of Alabama has produced a total of 17 Rhodes Scholars, 16 Truman Scholars, 43 Hollings Scholars and 21 Boren Scholars. The Fulbright Program selected 15 UA students for various awards for the academic year. UA was named a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Students, a distinction that UA has now earned eight times in the last 10 years.

UA appeared on 14 U.S. News and World Report lists ranking the Best Online Programs, including five programs ranked in the top 10 of their respective lists. UA made TIME magazine’s list of Best Colleges for Future Leaders 2025. Forty current UA faculty have received NSF CAREER Awards, one of the nation’s most prestigious recognitions of top-performing young scientists, in disciplines ranging from nanoscience and engineering to biological sciences.

UA made Forbes’ lists of Best Employers for New Grads 2024, America’s Best-In-State Employers 2024 and America’s Top Colleges 2023. The total statewide economic impact of UA according to the UA Center for Business and Economic Research, is $3.333 billion; 14,505 jobs; and $151.6 million in income and sales taxes.

The University of Alabama Libraries, a system of seven separate discipline-related libraries, is proud to support the research enterprise at the University of Alabama via a comprehensive and integrated network of resources, services, and technologies designed to meet the academic and research needs of students, faculty, and staff. We take pride in serving as a hub for innovation, knowledge creation and dissemination, research assistance, and collaborative learning. As a U.S. Government Documents Regional Depository since 1860, University Libraries also serves the public and our local community.

The University of Alabama Libraries maintains memberships in the Association of Research Libraries, the Center for Research Libraries, the Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA), the Coalition of Networked Information, centerNET, LYRASIS, HathiTrust, the Association of Southeast Research Libraries, LOCKSS, the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries, and the Alabama Digital Preservation Network.

University Libraries provides strong mentorship for faculty and staff, with ongoing collaborative opportunities, and administrative support for innovative services and ideas. We promote and administer a robust professional development environment that supports faculty research and conference travel, and we are invested in academic freedom with teaching and research. We are heavily invested in performing the same high value research that our stakeholders produce, and that assists in our data-driven strategic planning for the future. Our staff routinely update and maintain cutting edge programs of service in support of our stakeholders. Our faculty librarians have developed a record-breaking instruction program, including a series of research data services and workshops, that consistently perform at the top of the SEC.

UA is located in Tuscaloosa, a metropolitan area of over 250,000, with a vibrant economy, a moderate climate, and reputation across the South as an innovative, progressive community with an excellent quality of life. If working with a talented group of professionals who value service, innovation, and high achievement, earning a nationally competitive starting salary, in a thriving college town, with a low cost of living, close to Birmingham, Atlanta, Nashville, New Orleans, and the Gulf Coast sounds interesting to you, start your application process with us to learn more!

Prior to employment the successful candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation.

SALARY/BENEFITS

12-month tenure track faculty appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank. Salary range is $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with qualifications, experience, and advanced degrees. Strong benefits, including professional development support, tuition fee waiver, and matching retirement contributions.