Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.
 

Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.

Job Summary
Westat is seeking an experienced research librarian who will provide literature search services and other in-depth research. The individual in this role will have a strong understanding of developing and executing effective search strategies in a collaborative research library environment.

This opportunity is a hybrid work arrangement (3 days on-site). Westat’s headquarters is currently in Rockville, Maryland but will be relocating to Bethesda, Maryland in the fall of 2025.

Job Responsibilities
• Conduct detailed literature searches for literature reviews and complex research requests in the areas of health, education, and social policy for government projects.
• Formulate and implement complex and reproducible search strategies; adapt searches to various research databases; conduct iterative searches; and document search methodologies, both independently and in collaboration with other librarians.
• Collaborate with requestors to clarify research objectives, as necessary, and provide guidance on best practices for literature reviews and other research needs.
• Summarize and synthesize findings and place findings in context.
• Manage search results and maintain bibliographic management and systematic review databases.
• Work collaboratively with peers as well as independently to provide expert, seamless service and to follow research assignments through to completion.
• Communicate progress directly to requestors in a clear, concise, and timely manner.
• Conduct orientation sessions, develop instructional materials, and offer effective training in the use of research tools.
• Provide guidance on copyright compliance and permissions.
• Other special projects, as assigned.

Basic Qualifications
• Typically requires a Master’s degree from an American Library Association accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional searching experience in a research library environment.
• Proven research skills with extensive experience conducting complex literature review searches.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the literature review process and bibliographic management.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with requestors to understand, guide, and meet their research needs.
• Experience developing and delivering instruction in a research library environment.
• Customer service orientation, flexibility, and demonstrated ability to collaborate in a team-based environment.

Preferred Qualifications
• Expertise with developing, executing, and documenting sound literature search strategies in research databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, etc.
• Experience conducting iterative searches in various topical areas (e.g., health, education, social policy) for both published and grey literature.
• Experience managing search results and advanced knowledge of bibliographic software concepts.
• Capability to develop informative promotional and instructional materials and to conduct effective training.
• Ability to think creatively, problem solve, multitask, and prioritize to meet competing deadlines while maintaining expert service.
• Knowledge of copyright in a corporate library setting.

Other Required Qualifications
• Demonstrated communication skills
• Collaboration with teams, managers, and/or clients
• Organization skills, including time management ability
• Detail oriented
 

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

Employee Stock Ownership Plan401(k) Retirement PlanPaid Parental LeaveVacation Leave (15 days per year)Sick Leave (10 days per year)Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)Professional DevelopmentHealth AdvocateEmployee Assistance ProgramTravel Accident InsuranceMedical InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceShort Term Disability InsuranceLong Term Disability InsuranceLife and AD&D InsuranceCritical Illness InsuranceSupplemental Life InsuranceFlexible Spending AccountHealth Savings Account

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
 

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.

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