University Dissertation and Thesis Services (UDTS) Assistant

Department: Library

Classification: Library Specialist 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 04

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The University Libraries foster innovation, creativity, and imagination by facilitating and preserving access to scholarship and information, providing expert consultation in the research process, and actively teaching the effective and critical use of information. The Digital Strategies and Systems (DSS) division consists of three units: Mason Publishing Group (MPUB), Digital Technologies and Services (DTS), and Data and Digital Scholarship Services (DDSS). These units are collectively responsible for the library’s technology infrastructure, web presence, data services and research data management programs, George Mason University Press, Mason Publishing imprint, e-journal publishing, and digital repository services (MARS and Dataverse) in advancement of the University Libraries' goals and plan.

Within the DSS division, the Mason Publishing Group (MPUB) publishes scholarly work across the spectrum of publishing, from traditional, peer-reviewed print titles through the George Mason University Press (GMUP), to open access academic materials and student scholarship hosted in the MARS institutional repository. MPUB supports both the Mason community, through platforms and services such as MARS and the 123 Press imprint, and the University Dissertation and Thesis Services (UDTS), as well as the broader scholarly communications ecology through GMUP and online academic journals, in advancing the University Libraries’ goals and plans. The scope of MPUB engagement in teaching and learning is with and through its imprints and platforms, and especially UDTS. MPUB both supports the scholarly labor of authors and researchers and the open access goals.

About the Position:

The University Dissertation and Thesis Services (UDTS) Assistant, reporting to the Director of Mason Publishing Group, with a secondary reporting relationship to the University Dissertation and Thesis Services (UDTS) Coordinator, primary function is to support the UDTS Coordinator in performing format review of submissions for advanced degree candidates, in meeting critical university deadlines and format requirements. The secondary function of the UDTS Assistant is to support the Digital Publishing Librarian with processing deposits in the MARS institutional repository, particularly student-produced content (including theses and dissertations). The UDTS Assistant is a service-oriented and detail-oriented contributor, especially focused on established processes and university policies in connection with degree candidate submissions. Participates in committees, task forces, and/or workgroups as required to share knowledge, develop best practices, and implement and advance the work of the Libraries.

Responsibilities:

Dissertation and Thesis Format Support

• Provides essential support to the UDTS Coordinator regarding workflows and processes, as outlined and in accordance with university policies; and
• Provides front-line support for a high volume of graduate students submitting theses and dissertations annually, during peak periods leading up to the major deadlines of the academic calendar pertaining to the submission of required theses and dissertations. 

Instruction and Communication

• Schedules and leads educational and instructional sessions with degree candidates to answer general and format compliance questions;
• Serves as backup for the UDTS Coordinator and communicates with degree-granting stakeholders in these circumstances, informing them of critical issues;
• Monitors and responds to the dedicated UDTS email account, primarily in support of general inquiries and format conformance issues; and
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of submission guidelines. 

Institutional Repository Assistance

• Provides support to the Digital Publishing Librarian with Institutional Repository (IR) efforts, in particular assisting with the deposit of student-produced and other content submitted to MARS; and
• Assists with supporting IR efforts will occur during low-demand periods for the UDTS program. 

Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Experience working in a higher education, academic library, or scholarly publishing setting;
• Experience with writing, reviewing, or editing academic documents;
• Experience working with teams;
• Experience with providing instruction to individuals and groups;
• Knowledge of academic publishing standards, graduate-level research processes, and scholarly communication practices;
• Excellent customer-service skills in response to student concerns and the ability to communicate effectively in person and electronically;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced, deadline-centric environment; and
• Must be able to convey information to individuals and groups, and must be comfortable providing in-person and online instruction and assistance with formatting issues.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field;
• Some experience supporting graduate students, faculty, or academic programs;
• Experience proofreading electronic theses and dissertations;
• Experience with metadata and/or repositories;
• Demonstrated experience with WordPress;
• Knowledge of metadata standards and digital accessibility requirements;
• Familiarity with digital repository systems and workflows;
• Demonstrated skill in academic writing, editing, and proofreading conventions, particularly for theses and dissertations; and
• Demonstrated proficiency with LaTex layout and typesetting systems.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for University Dissertation and Thesis Services (UDTS) Assistant at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: November 12, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  November 30, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes