Research & Evidence Synthesis Librarian

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Research & Evidence Synthesis Librarian

Job Profile Title

Librarian C

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.

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

Job Description

Job 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. This includes supporting dental students throughout the four-year curriculum, guest lecturing in master's-level courses, and delivering 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, helping design and deliver training for librarians, tracking project participation and outcomes, and contributing 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.

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.