Job Information
Montana State University Data Technologist in Bozeman, Montana
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number FAC - VA - 24125
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Robin Francis
406-994-4997
robin@montana.edu
Classification Title Instructor
Working Title Data Technologist
Brief Position Overview
The Montana State University Library’s Data Technologist works as an active member of a service-oriented team that advances researcher visibility, integrates artificial intelligence in teaching and research, and leads data science initiatives. This 12-month faculty position works to integrate MSU Library’s research software applications and services into the classroom to foster new forms of scholarship, create new insights through data analysis, and provide users with enhanced access to information. The Data Technologist supports objectives of the Library and MSU’s Strategic Plan, including increased access to affordable education through Open Education Resources, improved accessibility to digital spaces, and the development of data visualizations for learning.
Faculty Tenure Track No
Faculty Rank Non-Tenure Track
Position Number 4B3662
Department Library
Division Library
Appointment Type Non-Tenure Track
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester Fall or Spring
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
Union Affiliation AFMSU
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting, and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.
Duties and Responsibilities
Build and support technologies for research impact and discovery, digital scholarship, and data science initiatives.
Integrate intentional Artificial Intelligence (AI) workflows into library services and projects.
Collaborate directly with faculty in artificial intelligence and machine learning research across all disciplines.
Develop and support digital initiatives with a specific focus on database design, development, and maintenance; data mining; and data visualization.
Develop research optimization and data science services that support faculty and student researchers on campus.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Demonstrated familiarity with data science methods such as database design, natural language processing, machine learning, data mining, and data visualization.
Demonstrated experience planning and managing collaborative projects.
Demonstrated experience with operating systems, programming languages, database design, and/or database query languages and markup languages such as Linux, Apache, MySQL, Python, PHP , JavaScript, HTML , and CSS .
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
A master’s degree in library and information science, computer science, or related field.
Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it might be applied in higher education settings.
Experience with software development and maintenance in an academic or research library.
Knowledge of user-centered design and data-informed decision making.
The Successful Candidate Will
Have an interest in open source and open data culture.
Have excellent communication skills, especially when discussing technical work with non-technical people.
Have a strong interest in supporting the land grant mission of MSU and outreach to academic units and citizens of Montana.
Foster an environment that is committed to helping students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds succeed.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
The position for which you have applied MAY BE a Union position. Union affiliation is determined by job duties and the collective bargaining unit.
Non-Tenure Track Faculty – Any position that is .5 FTE or more is represented by the Associated Faculty of Montana State University ( AFMSU ). Faculty covered by AFMSU may choose to pay membership dues. This is a condition of employment. Additional information can be found at AFMSU (http://afmsu4ntt.org) or by emailing AFSMU (afmsu4ntt@gmail.com) .
Any position less than .5 FTE is not represented by the Union and is not required to pay dues.
If the FTE changes during employment, the representational status of this position could be impacted.
** Exceptions: Anyone having successfully completed a PEI exam or any faculty working in Extension are exempt from the Union
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
The Program
The Department
Research Optimization, Analytics and Data Service ( ROADS ) is a forward-thinking and constructively critical team that provides engaged and expert guidance as consultants, collaborators, and leaders regarding research software, systems infrastructure, information architecture, database design, data science, and much more.
The College
The MSU Library is a dynamic, adaptive, and responsive research library. We aspire to build innovative digital and physical spaces where our diverse communities can access and apply information to grow intellectually, build meaningful collaborations, communicate ideas, and envision a better future for Montana and beyond. We are proud to serve the university and the people of Montana, and we strive to do so while embodying the core values of the profession of librarianship and MSU . Our values reflect how we carry forward our strategic and operational decisions: we aim to build a more informed, thoughtful, and just world while striving to cultivate an environment that supports the potential for finding joy and meaning in our work. The library has a full range of resources and services for students and faculty, including books and electronic resources, special collections, public computer workstations, printers, scanners, technology-rich group study rooms, quiet study areas, information instruction, data and publication services, and technology and research consultations.
The MSU Library is committed to providing access to information resources and supporting student and faculty success through instructional services and research assistance. Our library faculty are campus leaders and active within state, regional, and national library communities.
The MSU Library has around 50 faculty and staff employees, including 14 tenure-track faculty, 33 staff members, and 25-30 student employees.
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date July 1, 2024
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on April 3, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
Diversity Statement
Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples.
Montana State University is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University’s mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged.
Montana State University makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant’s ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee’s ability to perform the duties of the job. To request an accommodation, contact the Human Resources Office, PO Box 172520, Montana State University, Bozeman MT 59717-2520; 406-994-3651; recruitment@montana.edu .
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment-guidelines/affirmative_action_plan.html