Library Scientist - Systematic Reviews & Evidence Synthesis

Why RTI

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

About the Hiring Group

RTI International is seeking a Master’s-level Library Scientist to fill a position supporting our evidence synthesis portfolio. Our work includes systematic and comparative effectiveness reviews, health technology assessments, rapid and scoping reviews, evidence maps, other types of evidence reviews, and research portfolio analysis for federal and other clients.

In this role, you will lead the design and execution of comprehensive literature searches and reference management for evidence synthesis projects, and you will also work as a research analyst and provide editorial support to review teams. You will be an integral part of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with senior research staff, methodologists, and content experts on large, federally funded systematic reviews and smaller evidence synthesis projects.

The ideal candidate is an expert in searching health-related and allied health bibliographic databases (e.g., PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC, etc.), an expert citation management software user, and brings strong editorial skills to ensure high-quality, well-documented work products.

This position may be based in RTI’s U.S. office in Research Triangle Park, NC, or may be considered for fully remote work from an approved location within the United States. Teleworking is permitted within the United States only and is subject to RTI approval; not all U.S. locations may be eligible.

What You'll Do

• Work with project directors, clients, and content experts to translate evidence synthesis questions and scope into search strategies, and contribute to documenting search methods in systematic review protocols and evidence synthesis reports.
• Design, test, and execute comprehensive, reproducible search strategies using controlled vocabulary (e.g., MeSH, Emtree, CINAHL Subject Headings) and free-text terms across health-related bibliographic databases and platforms, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus (via Ovid, EBSCOhost, ProQuest, and other interfaces).
• Conduct grey literature and supplemental searches, including trial registries (e.g., ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP), regulatory and government sources, conference proceedings, and citation chasing.
• Peer review search strategies (e.g., using PRESS checklist), and document and report searches consistent with current standards (e.g., PRISMA 2020, PRISMA-S), including search appendices and flow diagrams.
• Serve as the team’s citation management software lead: build and manage project libraries, deduplicate records, retrieve full text, maintain shared libraries, format references to journal and client style requirements, and train staff in reference management.
• Run update and surveillance searches for living, update, and multi-year reviews.
• As a research analyst, use rigorous methods consistent with current standards to conduct title/abstract and full-text screening, data abstraction, risk of bias appraisal, and prepare evidence tables; contribute to qualitative and quantitative synthesis.
• Use systematic review software (e.g., DistillerSR, Nested Knowledge) to manage the review process.
• Work with a team to explore, test, and validate AI and automation tools for searching, deduplication, and screening in evidence synthesis work.
• Review and copyedit reports, manuscripts, and other deliverables for consistency, coherence, reference accuracy, and adherence to formatting and style guidelines, and support quality control processes.
• Maintain client-specific templates for protocols and evidence synthesis reports; serve as a resource to evidence synthesis teams for using and troubleshooting templates.
• Support the development of research products (i.e., reports, manuscripts, presentations, guidance documents, memos) in collaboration with the client and RTI project team.
• Contribute to business development by writing search methods and information-specialist sections of proposals under the direction of more senior staff.
• Help onboard, train, and mentor research analysts on searching, reference management, and documentation practices.

What You'll Need

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in library science, library and information science, or information science (MLS, MLIS, MSIS, or equivalent; ALA-accredited program preferred) AND at least 3 years’ experience as a health sciences/medical librarian or information specialist supporting systematic reviews or other evidence synthesis.
• Expert-level searching skills across major health-related databases and interfaces (e.g., PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus), including controlled vocabularies and database-specific syntax.
• Expert proficiency in citation management (EndNote preferred), including deduplication, shared libraries, full-text retrieval, and output style formatting.
• Working knowledge of evidence synthesis standards and guidance (e.g., Cochrane Handbook, AHRQ EPC Methods Guide, PRISMA 2020, PRISMA-S, PRESS).
• Experience using systematic review software (e.g., DistillerSR, Nested Knowledge, Covidence, EPPI-Reviewer).
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment with staff in different geographic locations and with a range of education and experience levels.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to meet client conflict-of-interest requirements, including no current or future financial relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers.
• To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and should not require, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status, etc.). 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on research analyst experience in screening, data abstraction, and risk of bias assessment, and co-authorship of published systematic reviews.
• Experience supporting federally or non-profit funded evidence synthesis programs (e.g., AHRQ Evidence-based Practice Center, USPSTF, PCORI, CDC, EPA, NIH).
• Editorial experience, including copyediting or technical editing of reports and manuscripts for consistency, coherence, reference accuracy, and adherence to style guides (e.g., AMA Manual of Style, APA, client-specific styles).
• Experience using AI and automation tools for search development, deduplication, or screening, and with search development aids (e.g., DistillerSR’s Smart Evidence Extraction, Yale MeSH Analyzer, PubMed PubReMiner).
• Experience with bibliometric or research portfolio analysis.
• Additional degree or coursework in public health, health sciences, or a related field.
• Experience teaching or training researchers in literature searching and reference management.

EEO & Pay Equity Statements

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.

Equal Pay Act Minimum/Range

$83,000 - $102,000