"Research & Evidence Synthesis Librarian"

Job Description Summary

Please note: This 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 supports the Dental Library's Evidence Synthesis service. The ideal candidate for the Research and Evidence Synthesis Librarian position at the University of Pennsylvania's Dental Medicine Library must possess a robust and comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of evidence synthesis, expert searching, and systematic reviews. They 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.

Based at the Dental Library, this position will work collaboratively with colleagues representing health, physical, and social sciences, as well as humanities, provisioning campus-wide support for systematic reviews and other high-level review publications.

Job Responsibilities

• Engages in collaborative research with clinical and multidisciplinary teams, including CIGOH, often across multiple institutions, to conduct systematic reviews and other advanced evidence syntheses aimed at dissemination and publication. This includes applying rigorous methodologies to critically appraise and synthesize existing literature, ensuring the production of high-quality, reproducible research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge within the field.
• Offers educational sessions in evidence-based healthcare to faculty, staff, interns/residents, and students within Penn Dental Medicine and the Center for Integrated Global Oral Health, expanding curriculum integration. For example, consults with dental students on evidence-based dentistry throughout the four-year curriculum, guest lectures within master's degree programs' courses, and presents at workshops for faculty professional development.
• Supports the strategic development and implementation of a structured, programmatic approach to evidence synthesis services for faculty and researchers. This includes supporting the formulation and refinement of policies and procedures governing service management and designing and executing training programs to equip librarians with the necessary expertise to deliver high-quality services while systematically tracking project participation and outcomes. Additionally, the role involves evaluating service activities through rigorous assessment and reporting. Engages in negotiations with Principal Investigators regarding service requests and ensures that externally funded projects are appropriately flagged for the Business Office to facilitate the inclusion of librarian salaries in grant budgets.
• Functions as a full member of the Dental Library Information Services Team, delivering specialized consultation, instruction, LibGuide development, and information literacy programs, as well as providing comprehensive reference and instructional services both in-person and virtually. Contributes to the strategic planning and development of long-term information services initiatives to enhance research, teaching, and learning within the dental community.
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of guidelines and practices of evidence synthesis, and expert searching. Explores emerging tools and methods for evidence synthesis, such as text and datamining and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. Represents the Health Sciences Libraries on campus, local, regional, and national committees, and at conferences, particularly in regard to evidence-based healthcare, clinical librarianship, and evidence synthesis services.
• Collaborates closely with the Coordinating Bibliographer for Dental Medicine in the strategic development and curation of clinical collections, encompassing both print and electronic resources. Actively monitors advancements in evidence-based and point-of-care clinical resources, systematically assessing their relevance and utility, and provides informed recommendations to the Head of the Dental Library to support evidence-based practice and clinical decision-making. Additionally, serves as a representative on Penn Library committees as required, providing expertise in evidence-based practice and information management to support institutional decision-making and research endeavors.
• Other duties and responsibilities 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.
• 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.

Application Requirement

A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume/CV; multiple documents are allowed.

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

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
University Library

Pay Range
$57,500.00 - $80,000.00 Annual Rate