Specialist, Research Operations

Goodwin; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Professional development

Employee recognition programs

Wellness programs

Employee discounts

Job summary

Goodwin’s Global Operations Team is seeking a Research Operations Specialist to ensure accurate access to research materials and manage serials, renewals, and deskbook distribution. You will troubleshoot vendor issues and support budgeting and forecasting for research resources.

You will maintain records in firm systems, provide usage reports, and coordinate office copy orders to maximize discounts. Collaboration with attorneys and staff across practice areas is essential.

Qualifications

• Master of Library Science (MLS) from an ALA-accredited program preferred; coursework may substitute.
• Minimum 1–3 years of research operations experience in a special or academic library.
• Strong MS Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook) and ability to learn firm-specific tools.

Responsibilities

• Maintain records in Research Monitor for contract records and ensure accuracy.
• Provide usage reports for resources and update department systems.
• Distribute deskbooks and coordinate office copy bulk orders to maximize discounts.

Skills

MLS knowledge

Research operations

MS Office

Communication

Project coordination

Education

MLS preferred

Tools

DMS

Finance software

Job description

Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from varied backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross-functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do.

Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world-class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer.

This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward-thinking peers.

The Research Operations Specialist works to ensure members of the firm have access to accurate and current research materials. Responsibilities include performing all aspects of serials management including renewals, check-in, electronic and print current awareness routing; distribution of deskbooks and troubleshooting vendor issues such as subscription claiming, and reconciling invoice discrepancies.

What You Will Do:

• Maintains records in Research Monitor for firm’s electronic contracts and ensures records are accurate and up-to-date.
• Participates in e-Resource Lifecycle by providing usage reports for resources and updating records in department systems on an ongoing basis.
• Maintains core attorney deskbook master list and ensures that deskbooks are distributed efficiently across firm-wide practice areas; responsible for coordinating firm-wide office copy bulk orders to maximize available discounts.
• Ensures orientation materials for new and lateral hires, including lawyers, paralegals, court procedures, marketing and other administrative staff, are prepared and distributed; ensures all print and electronic services are active and delivered by new hires’ start dates.
• Reviews invoices processed by Research Operations Co-Op and ensures billing and other details relating to payment are accurate.
• Assists with recommending annual budget needs for research resources and tracks departmental spend to support accurate forecasting, invoice review, and ongoing budget management.
• Makes recommendations for vendor support needs and helps coordinate vendor‑related operational follow‑up to ensure services, subscriptions, and issue resolution align with departmental needs.
• Responsible for maintaining integrity of records in firm collection management system relevant to this function.
• Participates in content management initiatives relating to departmental team sites and legal research pages.
• Assists with projects relating to password administration and access maintenance, as assigned.
• Manages the operational side of Quest, the department’s request intake tool, including reviewing reports, monitoring ticket categorization, supporting workflow consistency, and upgrades.
• Helps train department co‑op employee(s).
• Other duties as assigned.

Who You Are:

• Master of Library Science (“MLS”) from an ALA accredited library school preferred; course work towards an MLS degree can take place of MLS degree.
• Minimum 1-3 years research operations experience in a special or academic library.
• Knowledge of integrated library automation systems.
• Knowledge of cataloging standards such as RDA, USMARC, and LC classification and standard authority control procedures.
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with Research Services and firm colleagues.
• Experience using MS Office applications including, Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to learn and develop proficiency using specific firm applications such as a DMS and finance and accounting tools.

Benefits and More

At Goodwin, you will discover your next career opportunity with a rewarding compensation package and comprehensive benefits, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement & Savings Plan
• Emergency back-up child and adult care
• Paid vacation, sick time off, and holidays
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• Employee recognition and reward programs
• Employee wellness and assistance programs
• Employee discounts and perks

This position is eligible for overtime: No

The target salary range for this position varies by location and is commensurate with relevant experience: Boston $75,100 - $112,600 | Los Angeles $80,700 - $121,100 | New York $80,700 - $121,100 | Orange County $80,700 - $121,100 | Philadelphia $73,600 - $110,400 | San Diego $80,700 - $121,100 | San Francisco $86,300 - $129,500 | Santa Monica $80,700 - $121,100