Using its traditional approach of hiring only following successful
completion of its internship or fellowship program, the Eskind Biomedical
Library (EBL) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) offers a two-year
Library Fellow appointment which offers unique exposure to all facets of an
innovative and internationally-recognized academic medical center
library. The fellowship program provides an opportunity for both
individual growth and enhanced integration into the environment.
Goals and Projects
The focus of this position will be on collaborating with biomedical researchers
and taking the lead in developing specialized programs and services for
VUMC’s research community as Vanderbilt works to develop parallel
strategies of excellence for personalized medicine. However, the fellow
will also be given the opportunity to learn or experience other facets of the
library including providing filtered and evidence-based information services to
VUMC clinicians; participating in projects to integrate filtered information
provision into informatics tools; developing library research projects and
scholarly communications; enhancing knowledge management tools; participating
in and developing user and staff training sessions; and using their skills to
assist fellow library staff and users. The fellow will report to the
library director.
Desired Qualifications
The successful candidate will have a graduate or post-graduate degree in
molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology,
bioinformatics or genetics. A master’s or higher degree in library
and/or information science or a demonstrated interested in information science
and learning library information skills is preferred. Additionally, the
candidate should exhibit strong organizational, analytical, leadership and
critical thinking skills, a high level of self-direction and motivation,
demonstrated attention to detail and proven excellent oral and written communication
and customer service skills. Fellows should have a demonstrated interest
in lifelong learning and in contributing to the profession through research
projects and scholarly communication. Fellows should have excellent
computer skills and be proficient with technology use and integration.
Candidates should be able to prioritize and work both independently and as part
of a team, possess a vision for the future of libraries/information services
and be excited about working in a fast paced, highly demanding and dynamic
environment.
Training Approach
Library fellows are expected to complete Eskind Biomedical Library’s
unique training program in medical librarianship. The training approach
is a mixture of life-long learning and project-based management. Library
fellows are typically involved in various program areas or projects in order to
develop or enhance skills such as library research, synthesis and analysis,
leadership, setting priorities, planning, time management and allocating
resources. Fellows may potentially audit classes in the Vanderbilt
Schools of Medicine and Nursing, attend biomedical informatics seminars and
grand rounds and have opportunities for advanced training in health/biomedical
science librarianship and biomedical informatics. Fellows are expected to
demonstrate knowledge gained through the training program in skills
verification sessions.
This
is a full-time position (40 hours per week). Given appropriate
demonstration of skills/knowledge and successful completion of the two-years
fellowship, the candidate may be eligible for an exempt position at EBL.
In addition, the promotion path includes the potential for a faculty
appointment in the Department of Biomedical Informatics.
Environment
The Annette and Irwin Eskind Biomedical Library is the
principal health information delivery vehicle for Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The architecturally striking facility was opened in March 1994 with
state-of-the-art information management systems and technology. The
library, along with the Department of Biomedical Informatics, the Information
Systems, Information Technology Integration, and Network Computing Services
groups, and the Vanderbilt Center for Better Health form the Informatics Center.
Members of the library work in partnership with other researchers and
developers in the Informatics Center to innovate the delivery of health
information to the region.
Unique among academic health centers, Vanderbilt University
Medical Center entrusts its Informatics Center with the responsibility for
providing the essential information infrastructure for patient care,
management, research and education - including the support for
informatics-related research and education in clinical informatics and the
field of bioinformatics (including new initiatives in genomics and proteomics);
and fusing scholarly research in biomedical informatics with the dissemination
of the resultant knowledge to individuals through its education programs and
into operation through the infrastructure.
The Medical Center, which includes a hospital and
children’s hospital with 847 beds, state-of-the-art outpatient clinics,
extensive research facilities, and the Schools of Medicine and Nursing, is an
integral part of Vanderbilt's ten schools and colleges. Consistently
rated among US News and World Report’s “Best Graduate
Schools,” Vanderbilt is one of over 15 colleges and universities in Nashville, Tennessee, the state
capital. With a metropolitan population of over one million people,
Nashville is a major business and education center for the mid-South.
Salary and Benefits
The minimum salary for the position is $40,000; the salary
is commensurate with experience. Other benefits are those
of exempt staff at Vanderbilt, including 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 9
paid holidays. More information about benefits is available at the
Vanderbilt Human Resources Web site.
To Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter via the Vanderbilt Human Resources site,
job requisition number SC13346.
Submit questions concerning the position to:
Frances Lynch, MLS, AHIP
Associate Director for Administration
Eskind Biomedical Library
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, TN 37232-8340
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Phone: (615) 936-2617
Fax: (615) 936-1384
Candidates contacted for an on-site or videoconference
interview may be required to give a short presentation on a topic to be
assigned and provide a sample of their writing.
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative
action employer. Minorities, persons with disabilities, and women are
encouraged to apply.
Background
screens will be performed and education will be verified prior to
employment. Please be prepared to provide required information and/or
documentation.
Vanderbilt
is a smoke-free workplace in compliance with the Non-Smoker Protection Act,
Tennessee Code Annotated 39-17-1801-1810. In accordance with that law and
Vanderbilt policy, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on Vanderbilt
property.