National Security Research Informationist

RAND Corporation; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

RAND Corporation in Washington, D.C. seeks an experienced librarian to join the Classified Research Services team as a Research Informationist.

You will deliver advanced research and reference services to RAND staff with emphasis on national security, defense policy, and government research, collaborating across RAND’s portfolio. The role requires strong knowledge of defense information sources, open-source research, and the ability to manage literature reviews, provide consultations, and

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years providing reference and consulting services in a library setting.
• Knowledge of defense, government, and policy information sources and research databases.
• Experience working with faculty or professional research staff in academic or government/corporate environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present information to groups.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced, complex consulting and research services to RAND staff; partner on short- and long-term projects.
• Perform literature searches and compile bibliographies using electronic resources and databases; prepare literature reviews.
• Assist researchers with proposal development in national security and defense policy domains.
• Develop and deploy information and awareness plans for national security research divisions.
• Identify and search defense, government, and policy information sources including DTIC and other government reports.
• Monitor defense, national security, and policy publications and trends to inform client services.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, including AI tools, to enhance research workflows.
• Cultivate client relationships and collaborate with colleagues to meet demonstrated needs.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to develop outreach and service enhancements.
• Develop collections of electronic resources; evaluate resources; analyze collection metrics.
• Provide support, consultations, and training on databases and tools.

Skills

Literature searching

Open-source research

DTIC databases

EndNote

Client service

Security awareness

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

MS/MA in library/information science

Tools

Alma/Primo

Job description

RAND Corporation in Washington, D.C. seeks an experienced librarian to join the Classified Research Services team as a Research Informationist.

You will deliver advanced research and reference services to RAND staff with emphasis on national security, defense policy, and government research, collaborating across RAND’s portfolio. The role requires strong knowledge of defense information sources, open-source research, and the ability to manage literature reviews, provide consultations, and