Director for Evidence Synthesis

American Psychological Association•Washington, DC

16h•$106,000 - $164,000•Remote

About The Position

The Director for Evidence Synthesis will be a critical member of the Science Knowledge and Expertise (SKE) unit within the APA Psychology Team. SKE staff support the use and dissemination of rigorous, transparent, and equitable psychological science and the representation of scientists from different subfields and with diverse backgrounds. Staff in this unit assist with literature reviews, summarizing and aggregating scientific knowledge, and identifying scientific experts in all areas of psychology. Staff also review materials to ensure scientific accuracy and advise on scientific-knowledge-related questions. The Director for Evidence Synthesis will assist in the development of syntheses based in psychological science that are most relevant to the current priorities of the association. Activities will include the collection of relevant scholarly resources, the maintenance of databases to catalog scientific expertise, and the production/updating of research syntheses that can be used for multiple teams within the association (e.g., psychology, communications, and advocacy teams; CEO office).

Requirements

Master’s Degree in psychology required, Ph.D. in psychology preferred.
Broad understanding of the psychological science literature, including multiple theories and methodologies used.
Knowledge of information gathering and research in the digital age.
Ability to solve problems of substantial variety and complexity and to undertake tasks broad in nature.
Ability to operate independently, and exercise independent judgment, discretion, and action.
Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams.
Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.
Microsoft Office: Advanced user
Internet and AI assisted search tools: Advanced user
Research Databases, including PsycINFO: Advanced user

Responsibilities

Serve as a senior scientific resource to SKE Program Associates, providing expert guidance, methodological direction, and quality assurance in the identification, selection, and organization of references and resources that reflect rigorous, transparent, and equitable psychological science across high‑priority topic areas defined by the association.
Write and edit summaries of scientific knowledge in assigned high‑priority areas, integrating findings across theories, methodologies, and subfields; ensure syntheses are accurate, balanced, and accessible, and proactively updated to reflect new evidence, emerging research, and changes in the scientific landscape.
Consult and collaborate with external scientific experts and researchers, as needed, to inform evidence syntheses, deepen subject‑matter understanding, validate interpretations, and ensure that complex or evolving areas of psychological science are represented accurately and comprehensively.
Maintain and manage knowledge and expertise databases that enable APA staff to efficiently access up‑to‑date syntheses of scientific knowledge aligned with association priorities; and a diverse and inclusive pool of scientists with relevant expertise.
Assist in providing scientific input, review, and editorial guidance for a wide range of APA materials—including newsletters, articles, online content, RFIs, advisories, and related products—ensuring scientific accuracy, appropriate interpretation of evidence, and alignment with APA’s standards, priorities, and public trust responsibilities.
Provide guidance, consultation, and training to staff, upon request, on conducting effective literature searches, evaluating research quality, and applying evidence‑informed approaches; support capacity‑building across APA teams in the responsible use of psychological science.
Engage in a broad range of additional activities, as assigned by the Senior Director, Scientific Knowledge and Expertise that advance the goals and objectives of APA, the Psychology Team, and the interests of APA staff, members, and governance.
Perform other duties as assigned, exercising independent judgment and discretion in conducting work that supports the effective functioning of the Science Knowledge and Expertise unit and addresses evolving organizational needs.