Research Librarian

The Library and Learning Services (LLS) department at the University of Wollongong in Dubai plays a central role in supporting the University's teaching, learning, and research mission. The department delivers integrated academic services that enable student success, strengthen research capability, and promote information literacy, academic integrity, and digital scholarship.

Library and Learning Services provides access to a broad range of print and digital resources, learning spaces, and research tools aligned with UOWD's curriculum and research priorities. The department works in close partnership with faculty, academic units, and professional services to embed information literacy, digital skills, and evidence-based research practices across undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

In addition to traditional library services, the department supports research visibility and impact, including guidance on scholarly communication, Open Access publishing, copyright compliance, bibliometrics, and responsible research practices. Through continuous innovation, data-informed decision-making, and a strong service ethos, Library and Learning Services contributes to an inclusive, student-centred learning environment and a vibrant research culture.

The Manager, Library and Learning Services plays a pivotal leadership role in advancing these functions, driving service excellence, and positioning the department as a strategic partner within the University.

About the Role:

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) is seeking an experienced and research-focused Research Librarian to join its Library and Learning Services department. This role is central to advancing the University's teaching, learning, and research mission by providing high-quality research support services to faculty, postgraduate students, and the wider academic community.

Reporting to the Manager, Library and Learning Services, the Research Librarian plays a key role in supporting research excellence, scholarly communication, and information literacy in a modern, digitally enabled academic environment.

The Research Librarian provides advanced research assistance and plays a strategic role in aligning library resources and services with institutional research priorities. The position focuses on research consultations, collection development, research visibility, Open Access publishing, bibliometrics, and the delivery of research-focused information literacy programs.

This is a highly collaborative, customer-centred role requiring close engagement with faculty, postgraduate researchers, academic units, IT Services, and the Research Office to ensure seamless access to resources and impactful research support.

Key Responsibilities

Research Support & Scholarly Communication

Provide advanced research consultations to faculty and postgraduate students, supporting literature reviews, dissertations, capstone projects, and publication activities.

Advise on Open Access publishing, copyright, author rights, and responsible research practices.

Provide guidance on predatory publishing, journal selection, impact factors, indexing, and researcher profiles (e.g. ORCID, Scopus Author ID, Google Scholar).

Collaborate with the Research Office on bibliometric reporting, research visibility initiatives, and institutional research output tracking.

Collection Development & Resource Management

Evaluate, select, and manage print and digital resources to ensure alignment with academic programs, faculty needs, and evolving research trends.

Oversee acquisitions, renewals, and deselection processes to maintain a relevant, high-quality research collection.

Curate subject-specific and emerging research collections that support postgraduate programs and institutional research priorities.

Ensure trimester readiness of academic and research collections in line with the academic calendar.

Design and deliver research-focused information literacy workshops for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Provide one-to-one and group consultations on research strategies, database searching, citation management tools (e.g. EndNote, Zotero), and research integrity.

Develop and maintain digital and print research guides, training materials, and user resources tailored to academic needs.

Contribute to the creation of inclusive, welcoming library spaces that support independent study and academic collaboration.

Resource Access & Systems Collaboration

Ensure seamless access to electronic resources, databases, and reference tools for on-campus and remote users.

Work closely with IT Services and vendors to support systems integration, platform usability, and access continuity.

Maintain high standards of cataloguing accuracy and compliance with copyright and licensing requirements.

Administration, Projects & Service Enhancement

Prepare reports, usage insights, and documentation to support service evaluation and continuous improvement.

Participate in library projects such as digital archiving, research guide development, and technology enhancements.

Support staff training, orientations for new academic staff, and library-led research events and initiatives.

Contribute to strategic initiatives that enhance research capability and library service innovation.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Qualifications & Experience

Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent from an accredited institution.

Minimum 5 years' experience in an academic or research library environment.

Demonstrated expertise in research support, reference services, and advanced information retrieval.

Experience supporting research visibility, bibliometrics, Open Access publishing, and institutional repositories.

Proven ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, researchers, and professional staff.

Skills & Attributes

Strong knowledge of research methodologies, databases, and scholarly publishing practices.

Experience delivering information literacy and research skills training.

Proficiency with citation management tools, bibliometric platforms, and digital repositories.

Excellent analytical, organisational, and reporting skills.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to service excellence, professionalism, and integrity.

Why Join UOWD?

Be part of a globally recognised Australian university with a strong academic and research reputation.

Work in a diverse, international academic community in Dubai.

Play a meaningful role in supporting research impact, academic integrity, and postgraduate success.

Contribute to the continuous development of modern, digitally enabled library and research services.

Employee Benefits:

Comprehensive medical insurance for self and eligible dependents

Tuition discounts for staff and eligible dependents

25 working days' annual leave and public holidays

End-of-service benefits and gratuity in line with UAE Labor Law and institutional policy

Professional development and learning opportunities

Supportive and inclusive work environment

UOWD is an equal opportunity employer that attracts, develops, motivates, empowers, and retains a diverse workforce.

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