Metadata & Research Support Associate

Open Society Foundations Research assistant
Location New York, United States
Application deadline 8 November 2020
Contract type Permanent
Hours Full-time
Salary Competitive salary + excellent benefits
Apply now

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. We are active in more than 120 countries, making us the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights.

The role

Do you want to help make the world a better place with your descriptive metadata and research skills? We’re seeking a Metadata & Research Support Associate based in New York to facilitate efficient discovery and access to information. Research Services is a rapidly evolving research and knowledge management resource for OSF’s global network. By tracking, curating, facilitating access to, and preserving authoritative resources, Research Services assists staff in staying current in their fields and making informed decisions.

Key roles and responsibilities

As a Metadata & Research Support Associate at Open Society, you will:

  • Perform original and copy cataloging and establish cataloging standards and procedures;
  • Maintain and improve the discovery, usage, and preservation of a diverse array of information resources;
  • Provide secondary research support through consultations and user-friendly service;
  • Collaborate with research and data-focused colleagues to promote knowledge sharing and dissemination;
  • Support collection development and information sessions on research and information practices.

Experience and skills

What we are looking for:

  • A minimum of 3 years of experience in creating, enhancing, and updating metadata, ideally in an academic library or research institution;
  • Knowledge of MARC21 bibliographic and authority formats, metadata standards, taxonomies, controlled vocabularies, database structures, and Linked Data concepts, with exquisite attention to detail;
  • Demonstrated proficiency with contemporary software systems and applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Google, OCLC, CRM, and digital asset/information management systems;
  • Familiarity with copyright, preservation, and ethical issues related to research publications and practices;
  • A record of delivering excellent service and relationship management.