Associate Research Scientist

Together we make breakthroughs possible. 

At OCLC, we build technology with a purpose: to connect libraries and make knowledge accessible worldwide, because we believe that what is known must be shared. Our teams work with complex global datasets, AI and machine learning, hybrid cloud solutions, and other technologies that connect people and organizations to the information they need. We value the power of unique perspectives and experiences to unlock innovation. At OCLC, your ideas matter, whether you have two years of experience or 20.You’ll learn, create, and problem-solve with technologists,product developers, librarians,researchers, marketing pros, and support teams around the world. 

Why join OCLC? 

OCLC is consistently recognized as a best place to work by several independent programs. We recognize and reward people and results with a comprehensive Total Rewards package. This means competitive compensation that reflects your unique contributions—performance, experience, and skills—along with exceptional benefits, including best-in-class health coverage, retirement plans with generous company contributions, and a commitment to your overall well-being.

• We know the best ideas don’t always happen at a desk. Take a walking meeting around our 100-acre campus or enjoy lunch on the patio. We’re committed to your success—both personally and professionally. Hybrid work environment: For many roles, three days a week on-site, with occasional additional days based on business needs. 

• Free use of our on-site fitness center, gym sports, group exercise classes, and game room 

• Onsite catering and cafeteria subsidized by OCLC 

• Health and wellness events 

• Work environments with individual and team spaces and the latest technology tools 

• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance 

• Tuition reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility 

• Company-subsidized pricing on local tickets and memberships 

Join us in transforming how people everywhere access information and be part of a mission-driven team that makes a global impact. 

The job details are as follows:

Associate Research Scientists are expected to propose, design, execute, and disseminate research. To achieve this, it is necessary to maintain familiarity with the literature in their domain of expertise, acquire and demonstrate understanding of new domains relevant to their work, and bring these skills to bear through the scholarly publication process, which includes public presentation of research results at conferences and workshops, and through OCLC products and services. Production of proof-of-concept software and participation in open source software projects are alternative and complementary means of sharing research outcomes internally with OCLC and externally with the community at large. Associate Research Scientists are expected to work with existing teams and build new teams internally and externally as needed to further their research. Associate Research Scientists must be able to communicate with a diverse range of people with varying backgrounds and perspectives and promote common understanding and consensus about the role of libraries and information professionals in relation to the larger technical community. Associate Research Scientists must support OCLC’s role as a change agent that assists librarians and information professionals in managing scarce resources in a rapidly changing, diverse environment.

Major Responsibilities:

• Initiate, conduct, and complete self-directed research initiatives to support corporate, division, and member goals and projects that are responsive to the needs, interests, and current trends of the library and information communities
• Manage projects and meet project, publication, and presentation deadlines
• Prepare, present, and disseminate research findings by publishing in professional, juried journals and developing papers and presentations for professional conferences and meetings
• Mentor research assistants and interns and supervise and review their work
• Prepare and submit grant proposals to fund original research

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. Library & Information Science, Computer Science, Informatics, Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Psychology, Social Science, or related discipline
• 3 years of research experience, including doctoral research
• Demonstrated knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods and the ability to analyze and synthesize quantitative and qualitative data and information
• Demonstrated ability to participate and communicate in virtual and face-to-face team environments
• Superior written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and to prioritize projects
• Project management skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office, database, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis programs, i.e., NVivo, SPSS.
• Knowledge and expertise using social media professionally and to promote research
• Ability to understand and communicate with technical staff

Desirable But Not Essential

• Publications in professional journals and conference proceedings
• Computer analysis and systems design experience
• Proficiency in one or more non-English languages
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages, e.g., Java, C++

Working Conditions: Normal office environment.

ADA/EAA:The above statements cover what are generally believed to be the principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.