Preprint servers have seen a marked increase in uploads across the life sciences. This surge has been notably propelled by the recognition of the critical need for timely and open access to research findings amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Preprints are not only a faster pathway to the dissemination of research results but also facilitate the development of a scholarly communication ecosystem around them. From open review to translation services, realizing the full potential of preprints is predicated on them being openly licensed, so their research knowledge can be openly accessed.
To fulfill the goal of making preprints the primary vehicle of scientific dissemination, Creative Commons (CC) and the Chan Zuckerberg Institute (CZI) are collaborating to develop a cohesive policy framework and institutional and funder recommendations, to increase the use of the CC BY 4.0 open license (CC BY) on preprints in the life sciences. CC has a proven track record helping organizations, foundations, and governments create, adopt, and implement successful open licensing policies and is directly supporting CZI in its efforts to strategically grow an openly licensed life science preprint ecosystem.
We are seeking a remote, part-time, contracted Research Analyst to support our Openly Licensing Life Sciences Preprints Project (OLLSPP) for 20 hours/week, for three months starting in May 2024 (with possibility of extension).
Responsibilities
The Research Analyst will be supporting the development of licensing policies and implementation strategies used by life sciences preprint servers and their funders. The Research Analyst will be responsible for conducting organizational and landscape research so our team is best informed and prepared to work in partnership with life sciences preprint servers and their funders. The Research Analyst will also be responsible for coordinating engagements with external organizations, and advocating for the adoption of the CC BY open license as a standard preference for the field. The Research Analyst will also support with writing and publishing insights, wins, and informational materials. We specifically will be collaborating with these organizations to improve: staff knowledge, open data policies, licensing choices, database platform user experience designs, metadata schemas, and open data governance practices.
The Research Analyst will work under the direct supervision of and in collaboration with the OLLSPP Project Lead, to achieve understanding and make an influence pertaining to the objectives outlined for the project:
- Working with the biggest life science preprint servers to influence or promote open licensing and open access. We are proactively securing engagements to understand and influence how preprint servers provide a) written policies or terms of use regarding uploading preprints for hosting, and b) user interfaces that offer the option for, recommend, or require CC BY licensing upon upload. This includes aligning with their funder requirements for recommending or requiring their hosted preprints be licensed CC BY, and any other recommendations or requirements regarding open licensing and/or open access in general.
- Working with funders of life science preprint servers to influence or promote open licensing and open access. We are coordinating to understand and influence how funders of life sciences preprints mention, recommend, or require the use of CC BY on preprints, via tools and/or policies for their grantees. This is our upstream strategy to promote standard open licensing practices and impact the establishment and development of life sciences preprent server policies long-term.
Requirements
Our ideal OLLSPP Research Analyst has the following:
- A Bachelors’ Degree or coursework in related field
- Confidence in conducting extensive online research
- High curiosity, with excellent analytical and problem solving abilities
- A well-organized approach to documenting findings and questions
- Excellent writing ability, with 3+ samples available
- An understanding of the value and application of open data
- Coursework or experience in life sciences research, open licensing, organizational policy, open access, and/or related fields
- Desire to engage in the other work happening at Creative Commons
- Excellent project management, including time management and work organization skills
- Strong communication skills and presentation effectiveness
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain collaborative relations in culturally diverse contexts
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
Diversity
We believe that diverse teams build better organizations and better services. Applications from qualified candidates from all backgrounds, including those from under-represented communities, are very welcome. Creative Commons works openly as part of a global community, guided by collaboratively developed codes of conduct and anti-harassment policies.
Work Environment and Location
At CC, we are committed to fostering a global and inclusive environment, and strive to have a diverse team that represents many backgrounds. Creative Commons has been a fully-distributed organization since 2015 — we have no central office, and all positions are in a remote working environment. This position reports to and will regularly meet with their manager in U.S. Pacific time (UTC -8). You must have a computer, mic, camera and high-speed broadband access.
Compensation
Creative Commons is a leading non-profit employer, offering a positive, flexible, and supportive work environment. We pay $27.50/hour for this remote contract position, 20 hours/week, for three months starting in May 2024.
How to Apply
Please email your cover letter, resume, and three writing samples to taylor@creativecommons.org, with the subject heading of “OLLSPP Research Analyst / [Last Name].” No phone calls, please. No recruiters. We are looking to hire for this role ASAP, so please share this opportunity widely and apply right away. Deadline is Monday, April 29, 2024.