National Security Research Informationist

University of Alabama Libraries; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

RAND is seeking an experienced Research Informationist based in the Washington, D.C. office to deliver expert research and reference services on national security, defense policy, and government research. The role sits within Classified Research Services (CRS) and requires on-site presence in the RAND Washington D.C.

office. The successful candidate will provide advanced consulting to RAND staff, develop literature reviews, support proposal development, and stay current on policy and defense

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years providing reference and consulting services in an academic, special, or government library setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of defense, government, and policy information sources and research databases.
• Experience working with faculty or professional research staff in either an academic or government/corporate environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the demonstrated ability to present information to groups.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced, complex consulting and research services to RAND research and administrative staff; partner with research staff on short- and long-term projects, providing an array of research and consulting services
• Perform literature searches and compile bibliographies and other outputs using electronic resources and commercial databases; prepare associated literature reviews, systematic search documentation, and annotated bibliographies
• Assist researchers with proposal development across national security, defense policy, and government research domains
• Develop and deploy customized information and current awareness plans for national security and defense-focused research divisions
• Identify and search defense, government, and policy information sources including DTIC, Congressional Research Service reports, GAO reports, and open-source intelligence resources
• Monitor national security, defense policy, and intelligence research landscapes; track emerging literature, policy publications, and research trends to inform client services
• Evaluate and apply emerging technologies, including AI-assisted tools, to enhance research workflows and information services
• Identify and recommend best methods and tools for use by project teams in defense and national security research contexts
• Cultivate client relationships and facilitate collaboration in a hybrid environment to ensure resources and services meet demonstrated need
• Participate in cross-functional teams to develop and implement effective and innovative outreach activities and service enhancements
• Participate in projects to develop relevant collections of electronic resources; evaluate new and existing resources; analyze collection metrics
• Provide support, consultations, and training on relevant databases, resources, and research tools
• Compile and report on metrics and statistics for research and reference services
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Client service

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Security awareness

Education

MS/MA in Library Science

Tools

EndNote

Job description

RAND is seeking an experienced Research Informationist based in the Washington, D.C. office to deliver expert research and reference services on national security, defense policy, and government research. The role sits within Classified Research Services (CRS) and requires on-site presence in the RAND Washington D.C.

office. The successful candidate will provide advanced consulting to RAND staff, develop literature reviews, support proposal development, and stay current on policy and defense