Research Informationist

RAND Corporation; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

RAND Corporation in Boston is seeking a Research Informationist to provide expert research services within a health sciences focused Library Research Services team. You will conduct complex literature searches, support evidence synthesis, and train staff on systematic and scoping review methods, blending traditional reference work with innovative information services.

The role emphasizes collaboration across RAND staff in a hybrid environment, with opportunities to explore AI-assisted tools and

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience delivering reference and research consulting services in an academic or special library setting with a strong background in health sciences
• Experience with information discovery resources in health sciences (e.g., PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL)
• Experience working with faculty or professional research staff in academic or corporate environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated initiative and flexibility

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced, complex consulting and research services to RAND staff and projects
• Conduct literature searches and compile bibliographies using electronic resources
• Support evidence synthesis intake and protocol review processes
• Assist researchers with project planning and scoping topics
• Build information and current awareness plans
• Evaluate emerging technologies, including AI-assisted tools, to improve workflows

Skills

Structured search strategies

Biomedical databases

Evidence synthesis

AI-assisted tools evaluation

EndNote

Client service

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Schedule management

Education

MS/MA in Library/Information Science

Tools

PubMed

Embase

CINAHL

Ebsco

Ovid

Job description

Job Type:

Regular

Overview

This health sciences-focused position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced Research Informationist to provide expert research services to RAND's geographically diverse world-class research and administrative staff. This position focuses primarily on health sciences research and evidence synthesis, and also contributes to general reference services across RAND's broader research portfolio. As a member of the Library Research Services (LRS) team, the ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in providing high-level health sciences information services in a research or academic library setting, thrives in a collaborative and collegial environment, and demonstrates initiative and an innovative mindset. The position reports to the Director, Knowledge Services.

Duties and 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:

• Conduct systematic reviews and literature searches, and compile bibliographies and other outputs using electronic resources and commercial databases; prepare associated literature reviews, systematic search documentation, and annotated bibliographies
• Support evidence synthesis intake and protocol review processes; provide consultations and training on systematic and scoping review methods for project teams, as needed
• Assist researchers with proposal development and planning by scoping the topic, refining research questions, and database selection
• Build and deploy customized information and current awareness plans
• Evaluate and apply emerging technologies, including AI-assisted tools, to enhance research workflows and information services
• Identify and recommend best literature review and evidence synthesis methods and tools for use by project teams
• 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 collection development to maintain relevant collections of electronic resources; evaluate new and existing resources; analyze collection metrics
• Other duties as assigned

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in designing and executing structured search strategies with database-specific syntax, field tags, and controlled terminologies (e.g. MeSH, Emtree) across multiple platforms
• High proficiency in searching biomedical, nutrition, and public health related databases
• Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-synthesis reporting guidelines and/or standards such as PRISMA, PRESS, and Cochrane.
• Experience searching grey literature on health-related and other research areas
• Familiarity with AI-assisted tools for evidence synthesis (e.g., Elicit, Covidence, DistillerSR) and ability to critically evaluate AI-generated output against methodological standards
• Proficiency using EndNote; knowledge of other citation management tools
• Excellent client service skills
• Excellent attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and meet a high standard of work
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, to solve problems creatively, and build effective partnerships using excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Adheres to evidence synthesis best practices and professional standards for search strategy development, documentation of methodology, and quality assurance of project deliverables

Qualifications Required

• Minimum of 5 years of experience delivering reference and research consulting services in an academic or special library setting with a strong background in health sciences
• Demonstrated expertise utilizing information discovery resources in the health sciences (e.g., PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL), as well as proficiency searching multidisciplinary bibliographic databases and platforms (e.g., Ebsco, Ovid, ProQuest, etc.)
• Experience working with faculty or professional research staff in either an academic or corporate environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the demonstrated ability to present information to groups
• Demonstrated ability to respond effectively to changing needs and priorities, showing initiative and flexibility

Preferred

• Minimum 6-8 years' experience preferred
• Experience with Alma/Primo library systems platform
• Study or degree in an area of health sciences
• Secondary experience or background in one or more of the following subject areas: economics, social sciences, education and labor, science/technology, or other areas of RAND research
• AHIP membership and/or MLA SRSS Certifications

Education

MS/MA in Library/Information Science is required.

Location

Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., area, or Boston RAND offices. This position may allow for a hybrid remote/on-site work arrangement.

This role supports researchers in RAND's Cambridge, UK office; candidates should be comfortable with flexible scheduling to accommodate time zone differences.

Salary Range

$88,000 - $130,900

Knowledge Services (KS) accelerates the success of RAND staff and their sponsors and clients through its three collaborative service areas: Library Research Services, Corporate Archives & Special Collections, and Technical Services. KS is a unit within the Information Services department, and reports to the VP/CIO. KS, as with all of RAND, believes that the core of our mission is to improve the policies that affect people's lives. We strive to foster a culture of respect, empowerment, value, and growth for all staff.

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate's work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND's sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Supervisory Organization

Knowledge Services - Library Research Services, reports to the Director of Knowledge Services.

Equal Opportunity Employer