Research Informationist

Job Type:

Overview

This national security and defense-focused position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced Research Informationist to provide expert research and reference services to RAND's geographically diverse world-class research and administrative staff. The primary focus of this position is national security, defense policy, and government research, though the role contributes to general reference services across RAND's broader research portfolio. As a member of the Classified Research Services (CRS) team, the ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in providing high-level information services in a defense, government, or research library setting, thrives in a collaborative and collegial environment, and demonstrates initiative and an innovative mindset. The position reports to the Manager, Classified Research Services, and is based in the Washington D.C. office. On-site presence is required.

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:
• Perform literature searches and compile bibliographies and other outputs using electronic resources and commercial databases; prepare associated literature reviews, systematic search documentation, and annotated bibliographies
• Assist researchers with proposal development across national security, defense policy, and government research domains
• Develop and deploy customized information and current awareness plans for national security and defense-focused research divisions
• Identify and search defense, government, and policy information sources including DTIC, Congressional Research Service reports, GAO reports, and open-source intelligence resources
• Monitor national security, defense policy, and intelligence research landscapes; track emerging literature, policy publications, and research trends to inform client services
• Evaluate and apply emerging technologies, including AI-assisted tools, to enhance research workflows and information services
• Identify and recommend best methods and tools for use by project teams in defense and national security research contexts
• 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 projects to develop relevant collections of electronic resources; evaluate new and existing resources; analyze collection metrics
• Provide support, consultations, and training on relevant databases, resources, and research tools
• Compile and report on metrics and statistics for research and reference services
• Other duties as assigned

Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of defense, national security, and government information sources and databases (e.g., DTIC, ProQuest Congressional, ProQuest Policy, CRS reports, GAO reports)
• Ability to conduct comprehensive literature searches across policy, social science, and defense-related databases and platforms using Boolean, keyword, and advanced search techniques
• Experience identifying and searching open-source and grey literature sources relevant to defense and national security topics
• Proficiency using EndNote or 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
• Ability to handle sensitive and classified information in accordance with applicable security protocols and procedures

Qualifications Required

• Minimum of 5 years providing reference and consulting services in an academic, special, or government library setting
• Demonstrated knowledge of defense, government, and policy information sources and research databases
• Experience working with faculty or professional research staff in either an academic or government/corporate environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the demonstrated ability to present information to groups

Preferred

• Minimum 6-years' experience preferred
• Experience supporting national security, defense policy, or government research programs
• Background or degree in political science, international relations, military history, public policy, or a related field
• Secondary experience or background in one or more of the following subject areas: health sciences, science/technology, economics, education and labor, or other areas of RAND research
• Experience with Alma/Primo library systems platform
• Familiarity with classified or restricted information environments and associated security requirements
• Active U.S. government security clearance preferred

Education

MS/MA in Library/Information Science is required.

Clearance

This position requires a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) U.S. government security clearance. Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. Candidates with an active TS/SCI clearance are preferred.

Location

This position requires an onsite presence at the RAND Washington D.C. office (located in Arlington, Virginia).

Salary Range

$88,000 – $130,900

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 - Classified Research Services, reporting to the Manager, Classified Research Services)

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. 

Equal Opportunity Employer