Information Specialist at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for Information specialist in the Knowledge Management and Information Services (KMIS). The successful incumbent will be required to provide clients with the tools, knowledge and the ability needed to be confident users of trusted information resources. The role is accountable to deliver professional information services, relevant trusted information and data on science and industry to research staff across the Divisions and Clusters of the CSIR. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Liaise with clients regarding their detailed scientific, business and management information requirements and translating this into suitable search strategies that allow for accurate retrieval of relevant information on the subjects. Search results are evaluated before compilation into literature review reports.
• Provide selective alerting and monitoring services, environmental scanning services on science and industry trends to enable CSIR staff to stay abreast of the latest innovations & technologies in their specialised subject areas.
• Empower line staff through training in the use of electronic information resources as well as the critical evaluation and selection of authoritative information resources.
• Conduct bibliometric research to measure researcher performance and contribute to the career-ladder evaluation process.
• To stay abreast with new developments in scholarly communication and in the field of Library and Information services.
• To Utilise 4IR technologies to optimize services and delivery, enhancing agility and robustness in accessing and discovering academic and scientific literature
• Build and maintain relationship with the designated Divisions and Clusters to ensure continued awareness of SET staff needs as well as to improve service delivery.
• Conduct information and knowledge assessments (information audits) to establish new client information needs and gaps and to identify and evaluate new information resources relevant to RD&I areas that can enhance information support.
• Contribute towards successful implementation of Knowledge Management (KM) and Competitive / Business intelligence practices and strategies for the Divisions and Clusters.
• Support and promote the CSIR policy regarding the dissemination of research outcomes, which includes advising researchers on Open Access publishing initiatives, the selection of suitable accredited publications in which to publish and support research staff in managing research profiles for more visibility in a changing research landscape.
• Encourage, implement the use of innovative scholarly communication practices and tools, and contribute to research data management practices.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).   

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Library and Information Science with at least five years’ experience of which three years should be in a scientific, technical or academic library.
• Proven expertise in the use of online information resources and retrieval systems and the implementation of advanced search methodologies
• Experience in client relationship management
• End user training experience Knowledge and understanding of the specialist subject area as demonstrated in the ability to use correctly terminology; to discuss, understand and evaluate the literature, trends, and new developments of the subject area.
• Advanced Internet and database searching skills as well as expert knowledge of the content of subject specific information resources, including the ability to critically evaluate and filter them.
• Good working understanding of ICT and emerging technologies.
• Patent prior art searching skills, patent landscaping.
• Reference interview skills.
• Understanding of the Open Access publishing models and research output dissemination.
• Ability to index, abstract and write concise summaries of various scientific documents in specific disciplines.
• Presentation skills and an understanding of the learning styles of adult learners
• Proficiency in English.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Closing date: 21 August 2023