Library Scientist – Systematic Reviews, Evidence Synthesis

RTI International

. Lead the design and execution of comprehensive literature searches and reference management for evidence synthesis projects .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeRemote • North Carolina • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $83,000 - $102,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expert-level searching skills across major health-related databases and proficiency in citation management, including deduplication and full-text retrieval. Capable of collaborating effectively with diverse teams and managing multiple tasks while adhering to evidence synthesis standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Expert-Level Searching SkillsCitation Management ProficiencySystematic Review Software ExperienceKnowledge of Evidence Synthesis StandardsMaster's Degree in Library Science

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Literature Search DesignEvidence SynthesisData AbstractionRisk of Bias AppraisalControlled Vocabulary KnowledgeFull-Text RetrievalReproducible SearchesSearch Strategy DevelopmentPeer Review of Search StrategiesCopyediting

Soft Skills

Attention to DetailCollaborative WorkExcellent Communication SkillsMentoringTraining

Tools & Technologies

PubMed/MEDLINEEmbaseCINAHLPsycINFOCochrane LibraryWeb of ScienceScopusEndNoteDistillerSRCovidence

Certifications & Qualifications

Master's Degree in Library ScienceALA-Accredited Program

Industry Keywords

Health SciencesMedical LibrarianSystematic ReviewsEvidence SynthesisPRISMA 2020Cochrane HandbookAHRQ EPC Methods GuidePRESSGrey LiteratureBibliometric Analysis

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the design and execution of comprehensive literature searches and reference management for evidence synthesis projects
Work with project directors, clients, and content experts to translate evidence synthesis questions into search strategies
Document search methods in systematic review protocols and evidence synthesis reports
Design, test, and execute reproducible searches using controlled vocabulary and free-text terms across health-related bibliographic databases and platforms
Conduct grey literature and supplemental searches, including trial registries, regulatory and government sources, conference proceedings, and citation chasing
Peer review search strategies and document/report searches according to PRISMA 2020, PRISMA-S, and related standards
Build and manage project libraries, deduplicate records, retrieve full text, maintain shared libraries, format references, and train staff in reference management
Run update and surveillance searches for living, update, and multi-year reviews
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 to manage the review process
Explore, test, and validate AI and automation tools for searching, deduplication, and screening
Review and copyedit reports, manuscripts, and other deliverables
Support quality control processes and maintain client-specific templates
Support development of reports, manuscripts, presentations, guidance documents, and memos
Contribute search methods and information-specialist sections to proposals
Help onboard, train, and mentor research analysts

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree in library science, library and information science, or information science (MLS, MLIS, MSIS, or equivalent; ALA-accredited program preferred)
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, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus
Knowledge of controlled vocabularies and database-specific syntax
Expert proficiency in citation management, including deduplication, shared libraries, full-text retrieval, and output style formatting; EndNote preferred
Working knowledge of evidence synthesis standards and guidance, including Cochrane Handbook, AHRQ EPC Methods Guide, PRISMA 2020, PRISMA-S, and PRESS
Experience using systematic review software such as DistillerSR, Nested Knowledge, Covidence, or EPPI-Reviewer
Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Ability to work collaboratively with staff in different geographic locations and with varied education and experience levels
Excellent oral and written communication skills
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
Legally authorized to work in the United States
Must not require now or in the future sponsorship for employment visa status
Preferred: hands-on research analyst experience in screening, data abstraction, risk of bias assessment, and co-authorship of published systematic reviews
Preferred: experience supporting federally or non-profit funded evidence synthesis programs
Preferred: editorial experience, including copyediting or technical editing
Preferred: experience using AI and automation tools for search development, deduplication, or screening
Preferred: experience with bibliometric or research portfolio analysis
Preferred: additional degree or coursework in public health, health sciences, or a related field
Preferred: experience teaching or training researchers in literature searching and reference management

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous paid time off policy
Merit based annual increases
Bonus opportunities
Robust recognition program
Competitive health, dental, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance plans
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
Employee assistance program
Other offerings supporting a healthy work-life balance