Technical Research Officer
The Bodleian Libraries is hiring a Technical Research Officer. The library has ambitions to increase significantly its commitment to archiving web-based content, including social media data, algorithms, and other important resources which impact how these materials are generated and experienced. As part of this strategic development the Bodleian Libraries will soon begin the Research & Scoping phase of the Algorithmic Archive project, which will research and propose a roadmap for the Libraries’ services in this area. The Bodleian now needs to recruit a Technical Research Officer who will work closely with the Curatorial & Policy Research Officer to undertake the investigation work required by the project. The two roles will work together closely, and as part of the wider Bodleian team.
This is a full-time, fixed-term position, working 37.5 hours per week for 12 months. Working from home will be possible, though some elements of the project’s work may require you to be on Libraries’ premises or elsewhere. For this reason, the post-holder must be based in the UK and able to travel to Oxford.
This position is subject to a satisfactory basic Disclosure and Barring Service check.
About You
You will be knowledgeable about social media platforms and will be able to communicate a passion for documenting contemporary life as reflected in social media and algorithmic data. In addition, you will be capable of designing, delivering and documenting the project’s investigations; and of using the project’s research findings to support the practical aims of the project to develop a roadmap for Bodleian services which reflects user and business requirements. You will have strong communication and organization skills; the ability to work independently and in a team; and the potential to contribute to professional networks to support the development of sustainable community standards and approaches.
You will be familiar with techniques, tools and standards applicable to social media data. You will also have knowledge of the legal and ethical context relevant to archiving and research use of social media data.
You will have excellent IT literacy (including an aptitude for learning new technologies and standards), and be able to demonstrate some expertise in configuring, implementing, and developing complex software ideally including use of techniques, tools and standards applicable to social media and algorithmic data.
As an employer, the University of Oxford genuinely cares about employees wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that they offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days of annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits
Diversity
The University of Oxford’s staff and students come from all over the world, and they proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.
How to apply
You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. Both documents listed above must be submitted to be considered for this role.
The Bodleian Libraries aims to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be James Mooney, Senior Digital Preservation Technical Architect, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (james.mooney@bodleian.ox.ac.uk). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within the Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).
Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Friday 27 September 2024 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 11 October 2024.
