Natural Language Processing Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The George A. Smathers Libraries seek a creative, collaborative, and services-oriented candidate to enhance research support in the areas of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Digital Sciences. As part of UF’s partnership with Nvidia and the university’s AI Initiative (https://ai.jobs.ufl.edu/), this position leads the Smathers Libraries’ commitment to “AI for everyone”. The NLP Specialist (AI) is a year-round (12 month) tenure-track faculty position with primary responsibilities in instruction, consultation, and project work in NLP, text mining, predictive text, and related areas. The position works with library colleagues, researchers, and educators from throughout the University of Florida community to create, identify, and evaluate learning resources in the areas of NLP and Digital Sciences; advocate for the role of the Smathers Libraries in supporting related education and research; and build effective, inclusive, collaborations across the campus community.

As a member of the Academic Research Consulting and Services (ARCS) department, the NLP Specialist synergizes with existing specialists who provide expertise in bioinformatics analysis, data management, informatics, rigor and reproducibility, systematic reviews, and related areas (http://arcs.uflib.ufl.edu/). ARCS is strategically expanding its support to AI education, research, equity, and outreach, with this position formally liaising to other expert faculty hired through the university’s AI Initiative. The NLP Specialist sets a foundation in NLP for UF students from all majors, and faculty and staff interested in incorporating NLP technology and techniques to their discipline-specific teaching and research.

The library encourages team member participation in reaching management decisions and consequently the Natural Language Processing Specialist will serve on various committees and teams. To support all students and faculty and foster excellence in a diverse and collaborative society, the libraries are actively seeking candidates who bring culturally-rich lived experiences to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and perspectives. The Natural Language Processing Specialist will pursue professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and professional service activities in order to meet criteria for tenure and promotion.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creates and develops strategies for the libraries’ NLP and Digital Sciences support program based on an understanding of client needs; cultivates this program into a national leader in library-based NLP and Digital Sciences support services.
• Develops and provides NLP resource instruction and training, consultation, and other related services and responds to campus support needs that arise.
• Provides expertise on a range of NLP-related databases and tools; directs clients to AI tools and computing resources.
• Provides engaging and effective instruction in a variety of modes and venues that might include face-to-face, online, one-on-one, workshop, guest lecture, and credit-bearing course.
• Identifies, evaluates, and/or creates effective materials for do-it-yourself learning in NLP subject areas.
• Serves as the primary library liaison to faculty hired through UF’s AI initiative.
• Participates as an active member of the ARCS department and the Health Science Center Libraries (HSCL) tenure home, including projects, planning, policy formation, and decision-making.
• Connects with related units across campus to provide services and resources.
• Performs scholarly research and provides service at the institutional and professional levels as related to assignment and in accordance with HSCL tenure and promotion criteria.

Application Process

To apply, submit

• a cover letter detailing your interest in and qualifications for this position
• a written statement, no more than one page, on your vision for how this libraries-based position will contribute to the goal of “AI for everyone”
• your current resume or CV
• a list of three references including their contact information (telephone number and email address)

Applications will be reviewed beginning April 1, 2021. Submit all application materials through the Jobs at UF online application system at Requisition 70963. Failure to submit the required documents may result in the application not being considered. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please contact Tina Marie Litchfield, George A. Smathers Libraries Human Resources Office, at tlitchfield@uflib.ufl.edu.