Bibliographic Data Analyst- #02934

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), located on the Johns Hopkins University Campus in Baltimore, MD, is the science operations center for the Hubble Space Telescope and the science and mission operations center for the James Webb Space Telescope, scheduled to launch in 2020.  Take part in work at the forefront of astronomy in a job that offers a competitive salary and generous benefits.

STScI is seeking a Bibliographic Data Analyst to assist in tracking the scientific output of its current and planned flagship missions—the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), and the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST). This position will participate in the technical aspects of the STScI Library’s functions including analysis of the observatories’ scientific output, benchmarking and reporting, database maintenance and enhancements, and special projects as assigned. The Bibliographic Data Analyst works as part of a team in the STScI Library and interacts regularly with the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST) staff for matters related to the mission bibliography and its associations to MAST data.

Duties & Responsibilities

Mission Bibliography/Benchmarking & Reporting

Using automated search techniques and full-text search of short-listed articles, scan the refereed literature for papers that use HST, JWST, and other MAST data for inclusion in the mission bibliography and future metric reporting.

Identify data sets through tables, figures, or MAST-created DOIs and create a data DOI for publications that do not already cite one. Identify and communicate end-user (researcher) barriers with regards to using DOIs for data sets in the refereed literature.

Input and verify publication metadata via automatic ADS ingest and manual inputs.

Participate in annual and routine reporting and assist Chief Librarian in identifying parameters for ad hoc reporting. Searching and analysis may be executed using internal database UIs, SQL, APIs, Excel, or any combination of above.

Assess uptake of DOIs for articles based on HST and other MAST data via arxiv/astro-ph sampling. Projected for JWST: identify papers that use mission data and lack requisite DOI data citation.

Database Maintenance & Enhancements

Continually seek improvements in automated searches, identify issues with keyword interpretation in ADS or metadata schema for in-house mission bibliography tool or publication index.

Communicate ideas for improvements to existing bibliography tools and library workflows; works with staff at the institute to move forward on implementation and project completion.

Submit request for changes (RFCs) to improve staff and/or mission bibliography interfaces and functionality; negotiate on possible enhancements, and test as needed.

Maintain, troubleshoot, and assist in development of newly rebuilt staff bibliography database: add new staff; add or fix paper inputs from ADS; work with Science Mission Office (SMO) and Operations & Engineering Division (OED) on continued enhancements, functionality, and ADS Bumblebee/ORCID integration. Assist with building annual reports and ad hoc bibliographies related to institute publications and staff.

Generate self-serve reports and complex reports from the staff bibliography to meet reporting needs of SMO and the institute.

Institute Support

Assist Chief Librarian with one or more additional projects; may occasionally assist Associate Librarian and Chief Librarian with limited day-to-day functions of the library: user registration, maintaining collection, interlibrary loan.

Projected: Serve as digital publisher of meeting proceedings. Assist with implementing science meeting indexing workflow to ensure major meetings, colloquia, symposia, etc. hosted by STScI are searchable in the Astrophysics Data System (ADS) and linked back to STScI-owned web pages using digital object identifiers (DOIs) and indexing best practices. Work with institute staff, STScI Library, and ADS to maintain publication DOI infrastructure for meeting proceedings, ISRs, and other public documents meant to be accessible in perpetuity via ADS.

Requirements

Knowledge of and basic experience in database development, maintenance, testing, and RFC processes

Basic to intermediate knowledge of Astrophysical Data System (ADS) Bumblebee interface, and knowledge of astronomical materials and resources is desirable

Basic to intermediate knowledge of SQL

Experience developing or using APIs to conduct complex queries is an asset

Knowledge of CrossRef and DataCite/Fabrica and their role in the scholarly community and in academic/library publishing

Basic knowledge of Integrated Library Systems (ILS) or Library Service Platforms (LSP) is a plus.

Knowledge of taxonomies/thesauri a plus

Ability to work with a diverse group of technical, scientific, and non-technical personnel within the institute and to communicate effectively with developers and data sources outside the institute, including other astronomical institutions and observatory libraries.  Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing tools, methodologies in information delivery, and requirements of the library, data archive, institute, and its staff. Ability to work independently with minimal instruction; strong time management skills, strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Education/Experience Requirements

A bachelor’s degree, preferably in statistics, human-computer interactions/UX, data science, information systems, or computational linguistics. A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a data center or library setting. Experience working with bibliographies and/or organizational reporting. 

Note:  Substitution of additional relevant education or experience for stated qualifications will be considered.

TO APPLY: You are requested to complete an on-line application through the Apply Now link to our Employment Opportunities on our website at: www.stsci.edu/opportunities.  Applications received by October 15, 2018 will receive full consideration.

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers, do not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity.

STScI sees the diversity of our staff as a strategic priority in our desire to create a first-rate scientific community. We reflect that deep commitment in strongly encouraging women, minorities, veterans and disabled individuals to apply for these opportunities.

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at [email protected]. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V