Senior Librarian

EMBL - European Molecular Biology Laboratory

Heidelberg, Germany

Staff Category: Staff member
Contract Duration: 5 years
Grading: 6-8, depending on experience and qualificaitons
Closing Date: 13 April 2016
Reference Number: HD_00848

Job Description

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the highest ranked scientific research organisations in the world. The Headquarters Laboratory is located in Heidelberg (Germany), with additional sites in Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Hinxton (UK) and Monterotondo (Italy).

The EMBL Szilard Library is a scientific library with extensive on-line resources and databases, currently subscribing to 250 (mostly electronic) journals, 70 active monographic series and a collection of around 10,000 books. The library serves the 900 scientists working at EMBL and liaises with staff in three countries. The library uses the XML based library system Inmagic, a discovery tool VuFind and a self-tailored in-house classification system. The library team of two enjoys supporting researchers in a pro-active and flexible manner within the framework of a very international research organisation.

We are looking for a Senior Librarian who will be responsible for the management of the Library in Heidelberg. Main areas of accountability will be:

• Overall responsibility for the library including management of a librarian;
• Manage a budget, maintain and drive forward good relationship with in- and external bodies;
• Manage the open access scheme of the organisation;
• Driving the development of library and information strategic plans;
• Advising concerning all matters related to licencing and copyright in collaboration with the legal department;
• Organising, evaluating and disseminating information for the scientific community;
• Supporting the research information system Converis for publications;
• Creating, updating and managing online and networked information resources;
• Organise training sessions and deal with users’ enquiries;
• Keeping up to date with latest developments, particularly IT;
• Manage resources (electronic & printed resources, webpages, physical facilities).

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must have a degree and be qualified either as Librarians or Information Scientists. A minimum of five years work experience in a specialist or academic library is essential and a background in biology would be an asset. Experience in managing open access processes and copyright is desirable, as is experience in managing staff and organising training for users. Potential candidates will be expected to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, a pro-active attitude and be a team worker. A high level of IT literacy and expertise with databases is expected. Experience with research information systems and research data management would be an asset. While a good knowledge of English is essential, a good knowledge of German is desirable.

Application Instructions

Please apply online through www.embl.org/jobs.

Additional Information

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation.

Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed, depending on circumstances at the time of the review.