Biomedical Reference Librarian

Description

LAC Federal is seeking a knowledgeable and service-oriented Biomedical Reference Librarian to provide general and specialized reference, research, and information services within a federal biomedical research library environment in Bethesda, Maryland. This position supports the advancement and dissemination of biomedical knowledge by delivering expert research assistance, literature searching, instructional support, and outreach services across a wide range of biomedical and health sciences disciplines.

• Provide general and specialized reference and research assistance to NLM patrons including researchers, clinicians, scientists, students, federal staff, and public users.
• Conduct advanced literature searches using biomedical and scientific databases such as Pub Med/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library.
• Respond to reference inquiries received in person, by email, telephone, chat, or virtual reference platforms.
• Assist users with locating, accessing, and utilizing print and electronic biomedical information resources.
• Provide instruction and training on biomedical databases, citation management tools, research strategies, and information literacy topics.
• Develop research guides, instructional materials, FAQs, and outreach content to support user engagement and education.
• Support systematic reviews, evidence synthesis projects, and complex research inquiries as assigned.
• Maintain awareness of emerging biomedical information resources, research tools, and scholarly communications trends.
• Assist with collection maintenance, resource evaluation, and usage tracking activities.
• Participate in outreach initiatives, workshops, exhibits, and educational programming supporting NLM services and resources.
• Document reference transactions, service metrics, and project activities and prepare periodic reports as required.
• Collaborate with librarians, researchers, technical staff, and program stakeholders on special projects and service improvements.

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA‑accredited institution.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience providing reference, research, or information services in a biomedical, academic, research, or federal library environment.
• Demonstrated experience conducting literature searches using biomedical and scientific research databases including Pub Med/MEDLINE.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience providing instruction, training, or user support related to library resources and research tools.
• Proficiency using electronic information resources, integrated library systems, and online research platforms.
• Ability to communicate effectively with scientific, technical, and general audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance and NIH badge.

• Experience working in a biomedical, health sciences, or federal research library environment.
• Familiarity with NIH, NLM, or federal scientific research programs and information resources.
• Experience supporting systematic reviews, evidence‑based medicine, or clinical research activities.
• Knowledge of citation management tools such as End Note, Ref Works, Zotero, or Mendeley.
• Experience developing online tutorials, Lib Guides, webinars, or instructional materials.
• Familiarity with bibliometric, research impact, or scholarly communications support services.
• Undergraduate or graduate coursework in biology, medicine, public health, chemistry, or another scientific discipline.
• Experience providing virtual reference or online user support services.
• Membership in the Medical Library Association (MLA) or Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP).
• Reading knowledge of one or more foreign languages relevant to biomedical or historical collections.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while conducting research, providing reference assistance,…