Research Assistant

The Davis Library Research Hub is looking for a talented and enthusiastic Graduate Research Assistant to work as a GIS consultant. We offer equipment, software, and expertise for geographic information systems (GIS), numeric data services, text and data mining, data visualization, and digital humanities. The Research Assistant’s primary role is to support geographic information services, so we intend to hire a student with strong GIS skills and an interest in learning more about our other areas of expertise. Some training will be provided to the successful applicant- much of which will be self-directed.

Primary duties
– Support Digital Research Services staff in providing advanced-level consultations to Library patrons. Patron requests generally pertain to finding and using spatial and numeric data for GIS work, web mapping, and visualization.
– Provide intermediate-level consultations to Library patrons needing GIS assistance.
– Assist with project work and classes/workshops.

Project work, including:
– With guidance from staff as needed, work on all stages of research projects. Projects generally involve advanced-level GIS work. Work includes identifying methods and trouble-shooting.
– Develop and update instructional materials and assist with or co-instruct classes and workshops.
– Creating and editing maps and visualizations.
– Write project summaries for the Research Hub Project Gallery

Classes and workshops:
– Update instructional materials.
– Assist instructors by assisting individuals during classes/workshops.
– Depending on skills & interest, there may be opportunities to lead instruction sessions.

*Interviewing now for positions to start at the beginning of the Fall semester, 2019

The position is for 20 hours per week at a salary of $1336/month ($16,037/year). The expected position start date is August 20, 2019, and the end date is July 31, 2020.

Preferred qualifications

Required:
– Proficiency with GIS software (ArcPro, ArcMap, QGIS, R, etc.)
– Strong commitment to public service
– Excellent communication skills
– Excellent organizational and time management skills
– Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable with experimentation and self-directed learning
– Ability and willingness to learn new skills related to digital research
– Must be reliable and punctual

Preferred:
– Experience working with at least one software package or scripting language used for digital research in addition to GIS, such as text or data mining, data visualization, or digital humanities.

Examples include: Online mapping applications (ArcGIS Online, Map Box, Leaflet, etc.), Google Earth, Tableau, Programming (Python, JavaScript, R), Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Microsoft Excel

– Previous work experience or substantial coursework in a relevant area

To Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter to Philip McDaniel: philip_mcdaniel@unc.edu. Be sure to provide details about GIS experience, as well as your experience with (or interest in learning) other digital research tools.

Application review will begin immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.