Research & Evidence Synthesis Librarian

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 57,500 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and life insurance benefits

Tuition assistance

Generous retirement plans

Substantial paid time off

Wellness resources

Professional development resources

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Research & Evidence Synthesis Librarian to support their Dental Library's Evidence Synthesis service. The role requires expertise in evidence synthesis principles, expert searching, and the ability to guide researchers in systematic reviews. Ideal candidates should have substantial experience in delivering training and collaboration across various disciplines. This position offers a hybrid work schedule and a competitive pay range of $57,500 to $80,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience or equivalent in related fields.
• Experience should include creating and delivering training on evidence synthesis.
• Strong track record of scholarly publications demonstrated by co-authorship.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with teams for evidence synthesis projects aimed for publication.
• Provides instruction on systematic search strategies to Penn Dental Medicine.
• Supports faculty and researchers through the evidence synthesis process.

Skills

Expert searching

Evidence synthesis

Systematic reviews

Training delivery

Communication outreach

Education

Master's degree in library and information science

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Job Summary

The position is open to both seasoned and junior-level professionals. Candidates hired at the Librarian B level will receive structured training and mentorship to develop and strengthen their skills in evidence synthesis, expert searching, and advanced research support. This role may be filled at the Librarian B or Librarian C level, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

The Research & Evidence Synthesis Librarian supports the Dental Library’s Evidence Synthesis service. The ideal candidate must possess a comprehensive understanding of evidence synthesis principles and practices, expert searching, and systematic reviews; a proven ability to create and deliver training, guide researchers through the process, and actively contribute to various review teams. The candidate should demonstrate expertise in developing complex systematic search strategies and in outreach to enhance awareness of library services.

Applicants should possess a strong track record of scholarly publications as demonstrated by co‑authorship.

Based at the Dental Library, the position collaborates with colleagues across health, physical, social sciences, and humanities to provide campus‑wide support for systematic reviews and high‑level review publications.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with one day per week available for remote work, subject to departmental needs.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with clinical and multidisciplinary teams, including CIGOH and external partners, to support systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis projects intended for publication. Applies established methods to evaluate and synthesize the literature and contribute to high-quality, reproducible research.

• Provides instruction and consultation on systematic search strategies to faculty, staff, residents, and students within Penn Dental Medicine and the Center for Integrated Global Oral Health. Supports dental students throughout the four-year curriculum, guest lectures in master’s-level courses, and delivers workshops focused on literature searching and evidence-based research practices for faculty development.

• Supports the development and delivery of a structured evidence synthesis service for faculty and researchers. Assists with creating and refining service policies and procedures, helps design and deliver training for librarians, tracks project participation and outcomes, and contributes to service assessment and reporting.

• Serves as a member of the Dental Library Information Services Team by providing consultations, instruction, LibGuide development, information literacy programming, and reference services, both in person and online. Contributes to planning and improving long-term library services that support research, student wellness, teaching, and learning in dentistry.

• Maintains current knowledge of evidence synthesis methods and expert searching practices. Explores new tools and approaches, including text and data mining and artificial intelligence applications.

• Works with the Coordinating Bibliographer for Dental Medicine to develop and manage clinical collections in print and electronic formats. Evaluates evidence-based and point-of-care clinical resources and makes recommendations to support clinical practice and decision-making. Participates in Penn Libraries committees as needed to contribute expertise in evidence-based practice and information management.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Librarian C Qualifications

• Master’s degree and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

• ALA‑accredited degree in library and information science or equivalent in experience and training.

• Must possess a robust and comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of evidence synthesis, expert searching, and systematic reviews.

• Should have a proven ability to create and deliver training on evidence synthesis topics, guide researchers and students through the evidence synthesis process from protocol to publication, and actively participate in systematic, scoping, rapid, and umbrella review teams.

• Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate expertise in developing and executing complex systematic search strategies.

• And should be adept at providing outreach and communication to faculty and researchers to enhance awareness of library resources, services, and expertise.

• Applicants should possess a strong track record of scholarly publications, as demonstrated by their co‑authorship.

Librarian B Qualifications

• Master of Science, Master of Arts, and 2 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

• Basic understanding of evidence synthesis, expert searching, and systematic reviews, with a willingness to continue learning.

• Willingness to learn and assist with evidence synthesis training and to support researchers and students through the review process, from protocol development to publication, with guidance.

• Willingness to participate as a team member in systematic, scoping, rapid, and umbrella reviews.

• Willingness to develop the ability to create and run systematic search strategies, with supervision and opportunities for skill growth.

• Interest in communicating with faculty, students, and researchers to promote library resources, services, and expertise.

• Interest in scholarly publishing, with some experience or potential to contribute to publications through co‑authorship.

Location and Pay

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Pay Range: $57,500.00 – $80,000.00 Annual Rate.

Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits, plus flexible spending accounts.

• Tuition: Penn provides tuition assistance to employees, spouses, and dependents, and also to dependent children at other institutions.

• Retirement: Generous retirement plans (Basic, Matching, Supplemental) with TIAA and Vanguard investment options.

• Time Away from Work: Substantial paid time off including vacation, personal, and illness.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: University-sponsored insurance with manageable underwriting for new hires.

• Wellness and Work‑life Resources: Multiple programs and resources to support health and balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Resources for career advancement.

• University Resources: Access to libraries, athletic facilities, community activities, and cultural events, many free.

• Discounts and Special Services: Discounts on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, and more for faculty and staff.

• Flexible Work Hours: Creative arrangements for work hours and locations.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loan for eligible employees buying homes in West Philadelphia.

• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for qualified adoption expenses for up to two adoptions.

To learn more, visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.