Associate Research Scientist

Together We Make Breakthroughs PossibleAt OCLC, we build technology with a purpose: to connect libraries and make knowledge accessible worldwide, because we believe that what is known must be shared. Our teams work with complex global datasets, AI and machine learning, hybrid cloud solutions, and other technologies that connect people and organizations to the information they need. We value the power of unique perspectives and experiences to unlock innovation. At OCLC, your ideas matter, whether you have two years of experience or 20. You'll learn, create, and problem-solve with technologists, product developers, librarians, researchers, marketing pros, and support teams around the world.Why Join OCLC?OCLC is consistently recognized as a best place to work by several independent programs. We recognize and reward people and results with a comprehensive Total Rewards package. This means competitive compensation that reflects your unique contributions—performance, experience, and skills—along with exceptional benefits, including best-in-class health coverage, retirement plans with generous company contributions, and a commitment to your overall well-being.We know the best ideas don't always happen at a desk. Take a walking meeting around our 100-acre campus or enjoy lunch on the patio. We're committed to your success—both personally and professionally. Hybrid work environment: For many roles, three days a week on-site, with occasional additional days based on business needs.Free use of our on-site fitness center, gym sports, group exercise classes, and game roomOnsite catering and cafeteria subsidized by OCLCHealth and wellness eventsWork environments with individual and team spaces and the latest technology toolsPaid parental leave and adoption assistanceTuition reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibilityCompany-subsidized pricing on local tickets and membershipsJoin us in transforming how people everywhere access information and be part of a mission-driven team that makes a global impact.The Job Details Are As FollowsWe're growing our Research Insights team at OCLC Research, and we're looking for an associate research scientist to join us. You'll work alongside two senior research scientists and two data and software engineering professionals, contributing to projects that help libraries navigate technology transformation, changing institutional and organizational landscapes, and support research, teaching, and learning. We're looking for an enthusiastic generalist: someone ready to dive into a range of qualitative, quantitative, and technical projects. You'll draw on large, complex datasets, often OCLC's own data, sometimes collected elsewhere, but you'll also conduct interviews, run surveys, synthesize literature, and help design studies from the ground up. You'll turn what you find into research that matters to library leaders and practitioners, and you'll share that work directly with the people who use it through blog posts, reports, and webinars. This position is a great fit if you have demonstrated research experience across methods, a working knowledge of library work, and the curiosity and flexibility to pick up whatever skills a given project requires, including quantitative and technical skills.Major ResponsibilitiesContribute to research projects across the full lifecycle, from framing questions and designing studies to collecting, analyzing, and communicating resultsWork with a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, matching the approach to the research question rather than a single toolkitUtilize generative AI tools to assist and augment the research process – in particular to create data preparation and analysis workflows that can be verified and repeated.Analyze datasets using Python, R, statistical tools, or qualitative analysis methods as the project requires, partnering with technical staff on data access and quality where neededBuild your knowledge of library cataloging systems, metadata standards, and library work, and apply that knowledge to research designExplore how linked data and AI-enabled discovery and workflow tools are reshaping metadata and library operationsCo-author blog posts, reports, and briefs that translate research findings for a library audienceRepresent OCLC in webinars and other external communicationsBring new tools and methods to the team as you continue building your skillsMinimum RequirementsA master's degree in a relevant field (library and information science, social science, data science, or related); a doctorate is not required but is encouragedDemonstrated experience across the research lifecycle, from ideation to completionComfort with at least one area of research methods (qualitative, quantitative, or technical), and a genuine willingness to learn othersClear writing and communication skills, with the ability to make research accessible to a library audienceThe ability to work on-site in Dublin, Ohio, three days a weekPreferred — not requiredA working knowledge of library cataloging systems, library operations, or library work more broadlyComfort working with large datasets in Python, R, or similar toolsExperience with relational databasesPrior experience working in a library settingInterest in linked data, knowledge graphs, or AI-enabled discovery and workflow toolsExperience writing for a professional, non-academic audienceExperience presenting at webinars or conferencesWhy OCLC ResearchAt OCLC Research, you'll join a team that connects research to practice for libraries worldwide. You'll have the support of an experienced team, access to OCLC's data and member library network, and the chance to shape work that helps library leaders make the case for the value they provide.Work arrangementThis is a hybrid role based at OCLC headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, with three days on-site and two days remote each week.Working Conditions: Normal office environment.ADA/EAA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be the principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.