Positions Available: 1
Position Title: OER Graduate Research Assistant
Department: Scholarly Communication
Supervisor: Heather Walter
Summary: The support of Open Educational Resources is an integral part of UT Libraries’ endeavors to assist faculty and students with prioritizing free and affordable course materials.
UT Libraries seeks an innovative, collaborative, service-oriented, and highly motivated individual to serve as the Open Education Graduate Research Assistant. This position will assist the Tocker Open Education Librarian in the planning, implementation, and assessment of the UT Austin open education program.
In this position, the GRA will aid the Open Education Librarian’s efforts in the coordination of the Libraries’ open education services, including collaborating with faculty, students, staff, and administrators across the university to promote the adoption and creation of open and affordable course content. The GRA will also assist the Open Education Librarian in capturing data related to the usage of open educational resources on campus, seek methods to grow OER outreach initiatives, and assist the Open Education Librarian with other OER-related projects as necessary.
The University of Texas Libraries advances teaching, catalyzes research, and democratizes learning in order to develop critical thinkers and global citizens. As an essential campus partner in building a rich research and learning ecosystem, we are committed to creating and sustaining a community that welcomes and respects all individuals, celebrates different perspectives and experiences, and fosters belonging.
Position is subject to renewal each semester.
Work Schedule: 20hrs/week. Flexible hours, typically Monday – Friday between 7am and 6pm. Flexible work arrangements available.
Duties:
- Assist the Open Education Librarian in maintaining the open education program at UT Austin, including existing programs such as the Affordable Education Champions program and the Open Education Fellowship.
- Promote the use and creation of OER and affordable materials
- Capture the usage, benefits, and cost savings of open and affordable course content on campus
- In collaboration with the Open Education Librarian, guide faculty in discovery, dissemination and assessment of open content, and/or identifies Libraries-owned resources that could increase affordability.
- Assist with efforts to implement and coordinate an outreach and professional development program for faculty and librarians to support the adoption, adaptation, and creation of high-quality OER (e.g. workshops, online content).
Required Qualifications:
- Graduate student at UT Austin enrolled for 9 semester hours during the fall and spring semesters, and at least 3 semester hours during the summer session
- Student must be in good academic standing
- Customer service skills
- Desire to learn
- Ability to communicate effectively in person and in multiple media.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications:
- iSchool students strongly preferred
- Experience with any of the following: scripting languages, data visualization, data cleaning or manipulation, digital humanities tools or platforms, metadata
- Instruction or teaching experience
- Promotion and marketing skills, especially social media
We want to emphasize that although experience in certain areas is desirable, candidates who meet the required qualifications and demonstrate excellent promise are encouraged to apply and will be given serious consideration.
Working Conditions: Regular indoor working conditions.
Salary/Benefits: $1,733 per month. Exemption from non-resident tuition. Benefits eligible. TRB is not available for this position for long semesters.
Applicant Instructions: Applicants should submit letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references to:
Name: Heather Walter
Title: Open Education Librarian
Email: heather.walter@austin.utexas.edu
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.