As part of its Graduate Specialist program, the Rutgers New Brunswick Libraries seek a Diversity in Data Graduate Specialist to investigate issues of diversity relating to data science and statistical data and present on their findings to the Rutgers Community. It is expected that the Diversity in Data Graduate Specialist will develop and deliver presentations and workshops and be available for consultation on their areas of expertise. For Fall 2024, this work will be primarily online.  It is anticipated that the specialist will work approximately five hours per week on their topics with the aim of presenting open presentations and workshops on their findings and make available summaries or guides to their findings via the Libraries’ web pages.

The position provides an opportunity for the graduate specialist to conduct independent investigation of data practices that reflect systemic racism, unconscious bias, distortion and marginalization of underrepresented groups, inaccurate and missing data on excluded groups, approaches examining colonization/decolonization pertaining to data, and best practices to overcome these problems.  A few examples of this kind of work are Data Capitalism and Algorithmic Racism by Yeshimabeit Milner and Amy Traub, Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code by Ruha Benjamin, Queer Data by Kevin Guyan, and Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez, and Unmasking AI by Joy Buolamwini. These positions will work under the guidance and supervision of the Data Librarian to develop an agenda for research and presentations.

Potential topics could include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Implicit or explicit bias in AI and Machine Learning
  • Data activism
  • Anti-indigeneity in big data
  • Decolonizing data and data science
  • Bias in data collection practices
  • Data and racial disparities in health sciences
  • Race and precision medicine
  • Racist practices in data reporting – e.g., climate change, Covid-19 in marginalized communities
  • Ethical data collection, algorithm design, and use of AI
  • Equity and inclusivity in data education

The Graduate Specialist Program at New Brunswick Libraries is strongly and actively committed to diversity and antiracism, and seeks to hire students who will engage with diverse audiences and contribute creatively to the University’s multicultural environment.  We follow the University’s non-discrimination policy (see Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: https://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement).

Requirements

Successful applicants will be highly motivated individuals with a strong interest in data issues relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This position requires self-motivated, independent research around selected topics of interest to the candidate. Experience in providing instruction to students of various skill levels is preferred.

Intellectual curiosity and strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for learning, are required qualifications for this position, as well as consistent availability for roughly 5 hours per week of work during the semester.

Eligibility

These positions are open to current Rutgers–New Brunswick graduate students in relevant disciplines who are eligible for on-campus employment.

Compensation

These are one-semester, 5-hours-per-week positions paid at an hourly rate of $25.00. The term of employment is September 16, 2024, to December 23, 2024 [15 weeks].  Contingent on funding and performance, the positions may be available to continue into the next academic year.

Application Process

Please submit the following materials via Handshake: https://app.joinhandshake.com/emp/jobs/9243745/

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Cover Letter describing how you meet the requirements for the position; contributions you can make to this position and the New Brunswick Libraries; and how this position will advance your academic goals.
  • Names and contact information for two (2) references

First consideration will be given to applications received by September 9, 2024.

For questions regarding the Diversity in Data Graduate Specialist position, please contact Ryan Womack (Data Librarian) at rwomack AT rutgers.edu. See https://libguides.rutgers.edu/graduatespecialist for information about the Graduate Specialist Program, including workshops and guides developed by past graduate specialists.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement