Research & Evidence Synthesis Librarian

University of Pennsylvania

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

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.

Benefits

Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.