Biomedical Reference Librarian

LAC-Federal; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)

Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

Job summary

LAC-Federal is seeking a knowledgeable and service-oriented Biomedical Reference Librarian in Bethesda, Maryland. This role involves providing specialized reference and research services in a federal biomedical research library environment.

The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science and have a minimum of two years of experience. Responsibilities include conducting advanced literature searches and delivering instructional support across various biomedical disciplines.

Benefits include health care plans, retirement options, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Minimum of two years of professional experience in a relevant library environment.
• Experience conducting literature searches using biomedical and scientific databases.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized reference and research assistance to NLM patrons.
• Conduct advanced literature searches using various biomedical databases.
• Assist users in locating and utilizing biomedical information resources.

Skills

Customer service skills

Interpersonal communication

Literature searching

Research assistance

Organizational skills

Education

Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution

Tools

PubMed/MEDLINE

Microsoft Office Suite

Integrated library systems

Job description

Description

LAC Federal is seeking a knowledgeable and service-oriented Biomedical Reference Librarian to provide general and specialized reference, research, and information services within a federal biomedical research library environment in Bethesda, Maryland. This position supports the advancement and dissemination of biomedical knowledge by delivering expert research assistance, literature searching, instructional support, and outreach services across a wide range of biomedical and health sciences disciplines.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide general and specialized reference and research assistance to NLM patrons including researchers, clinicians, scientists, students, federal staff, and public users.
• Conduct advanced literature searches using biomedical and scientific databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library.
• Respond to reference inquiries received in person, by email, telephone, chat, or virtual reference platforms.
• Assist users with locating, accessing, and utilizing print and electronic biomedical information resources.
• Provide instruction and training on biomedical databases, citation management tools, research strategies, and information literacy topics.
• Develop research guides, instructional materials, FAQs, and outreach content to support user engagement and education.
• Support systematic reviews, evidence synthesis projects, and complex research inquiries as assigned.
• Maintain awareness of emerging biomedical information resources, research tools, and scholarly communications trends.
• Assist with collection maintenance, resource evaluation, and usage tracking activities.
• Participate in outreach initiatives, workshops, exhibits, and educational programming supporting NLM services and resources.
• Document reference transactions, service metrics, and project activities and prepare periodic reports as required.
• Collaborate with librarians, researchers, technical staff, and program stakeholders on special projects and service improvements.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA‑accredited institution.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience providing reference, research, or information services in a biomedical, academic, research, or federal library environment.
• Demonstrated experience conducting literature searches using biomedical and scientific research databases including PubMed/MEDLINE.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience providing instruction, training, or user support related to library resources and research tools.
• Proficiency using electronic information resources, integrated library systems, and online research platforms.
• Ability to communicate effectively with scientific, technical, and general audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance and NIH badge.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a biomedical, health sciences, or federal research library environment.
• Familiarity with NIH, NLM, or federal scientific research programs and information resources.
• Experience supporting systematic reviews, evidence‑based medicine, or clinical research activities.
• Knowledge of citation management tools such as EndNote, RefWorks, Zotero, or Mendeley.
• Experience developing online tutorials, LibGuides, webinars, or instructional materials.
• Familiarity with bibliometric, research impact, or scholarly communications support services.
• Undergraduate or graduate coursework in biology, medicine, public health, chemistry, or another scientific discipline.
• Experience providing virtual reference or online user support services.
• Membership in the Medical Library Association (MLA) or Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP).
• Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages relevant to biomedical or historical collections.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while conducting research, providing reference assistance, preparing instructional materials, and working with computer‑based library and research systems.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and wrist movements associated with prolonged computer use, including literature searching, data entry, report preparation, and virtual reference support.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, and transport library materials, presentation equipment, or office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds within a library or research environment.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development

EEO Statement

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.