The University of Iowa Libraries’ Engineering and Sciences Libraries department invites current or incoming graduate students interested in STEM Librarianship to apply for a half-time Engineering and Sciences Graduate Assistantship for 2026-2027, with the possibility for a one-year renewal for 2027-2028.

Position Overview
The Lichtenberger Engineering Library and the Sciences Library seek a motivated graduate student to support events, marketing, outreach, instructional media development, patron services, and service desk coverage across both locations. This position offers hands‑on experience in academic STEM librarianship, user engagement, and public service within a research university setting. The role includes scheduled library desk shifts—particularly late afternoon or evening hours—and serving as the primary point of contact in the library space when librarians are not available.

About the Libraries

Lichtenberger Engineering Library

The Engineering Library, located in the Seamans Center, provides reference services, consultations, instruction, collection support, and outreach for the College of Engineering and the Department of Computer Science. It is home to: the Tool Library with 300+ tools, the Creative Space makerspace, and a Patent & Trademark Resource Center designation.

Sciences Library

The Sciences Library supports students, faculty, and researchers across the university in STEM disciplines, including biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, geology, mathematics, physics, and statistics. Located on Iowa Avenue, the three‑story stand‑alone library offers workshops, classes, and events, maintains a Popular Science/SF Collection, and provides access to a wide range of research tools. Users also have access to course reserves, e‑journals, data management resources, and a variety of digital collections that support STEM learning and research.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing, Outreach & Events

o Assist with planning and supporting events (e.g., welcome tables, Maker Breaks, scavenger hunts, literature review workshops).

o Create promotional materials such as flyers, programs, surveys, and handouts in alignment with UI branding.

o Contribute to blog posts, social media content, and library website updates.

o Update online subject and resource guides for both libraries.

Instructional & Digital Media Support

o Develop or update online tutorials, videos, and instructional materials using tools such as Canva, Vyond, Adobe Premier, and others (training provided).

o Contribute to the creation of a Sciences Library scavenger hunt designed to teach library services and information literacy skills.

o Assist in designing educational content tailored for Engineering and Sciences Library users.

Patron & Research Support

o Staff the service desk at scheduled times, including late afternoon or evening hours, as the main point of contact when librarians are not available.

o Provide friendly, accurate assistance for patrons (in person, chat, and phone).

o Answer general information and directional questions.

o Support librarians with tours, orientations, and workshops.

Special Projects

o Assist with data and research projects (e.g., faculty publication metrics, space use data).

o Perform book and resource searches using InfoHawk+, WorldCat, and related tools.

o Help curate, install, and take down book displays and exhibits.

o Work on cross-library initiatives supporting STEM students and faculty.

o Complete other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Incoming student who has been accepted into a graduate degree program for the upcoming Fall semester or a student who is currently enrolled in a graduate degree program.
• Expected graduation date of May 2027 or later
• Demonstrated skill at making progress towards goals in an environment with many competing priorities and projects
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated ability to effectively transmit and interpret information through appropriate communication with internal and external customers
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team-based setting where consultation, flexibility, reliability, initiative, creativity, collaboration, and cooperation are essential
• Demonstrated ability to support a welcoming and respectful environment through job-related experience, an academic setting, and/or community engagement.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in STEM liaison or reference work.
• Prior library or customer service experience.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools.
• Experience with research, programming, or marketing is a plus.

Eligibility

Please note that students currently enrolled in the Undergraduate-to-Graduate program (U2G) are not eligible for the Engineering and Sciences Graduate Assistant position due to funding structure requirements.

About the Graduate Assistantship

The Engineering and Sciences Graduate Assistantship is designed to support graduate students in the course of their academic work; provide on-the-job training at the immediate pre-professional level for students who are or may become interested in archives or similar career paths; and offer opportunities to accumulate and document significant academic and work experience and accomplishment.

Application Process

Applications for the 2026-2027 Engineering and Sciences Graduate Assistantship must be received by 11:59 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026. Select applicants will be contacted via email for either an in-person or virtual interview.

Interested applicants should send a CV and letter of interest to Kari Kozak (kari-kozak@uiowa.edu) by April 30, 2026.

Additional Information

Classification Title: Graduate Assistantship

Appointment Type: 50% Fiscal Year

Term of Appointment: This is a one-year, fiscal appointment to start on or after August 1, 2026, ending June 30, 2027 or upon graduation if earlier. It is renewable for a second year starting July 1, 2027, contingent upon eligibility, satisfactory completion of all duties relating to the appointment, and satisfactory progress toward the degree.

Pursuant to Graduate College criteria, all graduate assistants must remain degree-seeking, in good academic standing, and enrolled full-time (at least 9 credit hours).

Compensation

Graduate teaching and research assistant appointments, employment terms, benefits, and conditions are governed by a Graduate Assistant Employment Standards (see link below), departmental policies, and the University Policy Manual. Base wages are determined by a collective bargaining agreement between the Iowa Board of Regents and UI local 896/COGS.

Please consult https://grad.uiowa.edu/funding/graduate-student-employment-standards and https://grad.uiowa.edu/funding/graduate-assistantships-and-loans for the most current information.

Contact Information

Department: Engineering and Sciences Libraries, University Libraries

Contact Name: Kari Kozak, Director, Engineering and Sciences Libraries

Contact Email: kari-kozak@uiowa.edu

Equal opportunity employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu.  For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.