Under the general direction of the Head of Research and Instructional Services (RIS), the Empirical Research Law Librarian (ERLL) explores the creation and adoption of tools and programming to enhance the empirical research and technology efforts of the UW Law community. In addition to reference and instructional duties, the ERLL plans and manages various initiatives and programs related to collecting, analyzing, and managing data for the purposes of legal and interdisciplinary research for the law school.

The base salary range for this position will be $6,784 - $7,462 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. 

The anticipated start date for this position is May 1, 2025.

This position is subject to the collective bargaining agreement and represented by SEIU 925. For more information and updates on the bargaining process, please visit UW Labor Relations.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manages the law library?s research datasets and database projects.
• Keeps abreast of developments in research methodologies, statistical tools, and data management, advising the UW Law community regarding best practices in these areas.
• Consults with UW Law faculty and researchers on conducting the full lifecycle of empirical research?from survey construction to data analysis and visualization.
• Administers law library subscriptions to statistical and data analysis products and services.
• Provides synchronous and asynchronous training to UW Law community on empirical legal research methods, data analysis, legal research tools, and other data-involved legal research practices.
• Explores opportunities for leveraging technologies for law library initiatives and implements initiatives as appropriate.
• Performs reference duties as required, including possible periodic evening and weekend shifts. 
• Leads tours, orientations, and workshops as appropriate.
• Supports student learning through assistance to journals, clinics, and experiential programs.
• Assists with selection, cancellation, and retention decisions regarding the law library collection, which includes both digital and print content.
• Provides comprehensive research on projects to support law school faculty, staff, and administrators.
•  Manages interns and student employees in completion of special projects, as assigned.
• Participates in and contributes to law library and departmental initiatives.
• Serves on relevant law school, law library, and university committees as determined by their supervisor.
• Develops and maintains written workflows for primary job functions and participates in the maintenance of department and library-wide documentation.
• Contributes to the advancement of the legal information profession and legal profession through participation in scholarly and professional development activities locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies:

• Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of statistics and empirical research methods.
• Evidence of self-motivation, initiative, intellectual curiosity, a strong user service philosophy, and the commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
• Strong organizational and planning skills and the ability to be innovative, flexible, adaptable, and comfortable with change.
• Strong analytical / problem solving skills.
• A strong customer service orientation.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with colleagues and to collaborate and work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Required Qualifications:

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school or equivalent foreign degree.
• MLS (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited institution.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with statistical software (e.g., R, Python) or other tools commonly used in data-based research.
• Strong interest in teaching one annual credit-bearing course, as well as non-credit programming, to law students.

• A detailed cover letter describing qualifications for the position, including academic preparation, professional experience, and teaching, research, and leadership expertise.
• Curriculum vitae
• Diversity Statement
• The names and contact information of 3 individuals who can provide a reference. (Please do not send letters of recommendation at this time; the School of Law will contact references as needed)

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University?s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member?s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

Privacy Notice

Review the University of Washington Privacy Notice for Demographic Data of Job Applicants and University Personnel to learn how your demographic data are protected, when the data may be used, and your rights.

Disability Services

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected].

About University of Washington

Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the oldest public institutions in the west coast and one of the preeminent research universities in the world. The University of Washington is a multi-campus university comprised of three different campuses: Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell. The Seattle campus is made up of sixteen schools and colleges that serve students ranging from an undergraduate level to a doctoral level. The university is home to world-class libraries, arts, music, drama, and sports, as well as the highest quality medical care in Washington State and a world-class academic medical center. The teaching and research of the University’s many professional schools provide undergraduate and graduate students the education necessary toward achieving an excellence that will serve the state, the region, and the nation. As part of a large and diverse community, the University of Washington serves more students than any other institution in the Northwest.

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