Research Informationist

Job Type: Regular Overview This  national security and defense-focused position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced Research Informationist to provide expert research and reference services to RAND's geographically diverse world-class research and administrative staff. The primary focus of this position is national security, defense policy, and government research, though the role contributes to general reference services across RAND's broader research portfolio.

As a member of the Classified Research Services (CRS) team, the ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in providing high-level information services in a defense, government, or research library setting, thrives in a collaborative and collegial environment, and demonstrates initiative and an innovative mindset. The position reports to the Manager, Classified Research Services, and is based in the Washington D.C. office.

On-site presence is required.

Duties and Responsibilities Provide advanced, complex consulting and research services to RAND research and administrative staff; partner with research staff on short- and long-term projects, providing an array of research and consulting services:

Perform literature searches and compile bibliographies and other outputs using electronic resources and commercial databases; prepare associated literature reviews, systematic search documentation, and annotated bibliographies

Assist researchers with proposal development across national security, defense policy, and government research domains

Develop and deploy customized information and current awareness plans for national security and defense-focused research divisions

Identify and search defense, government, and policy information sources including DTIC, Congressional Research Service reports, GAO reports, and open-source intelligence resources

Monitor national security, defense policy, and intelligence research landscapes; track emerging literature, policy publications, and research trends to inform client services

Evaluate and apply emerging technologies, including AI-assisted tools, to enhance research workflows and information services

Identify and recommend best methods and tools for use by project teams in defense and national security research contexts

Cultivate client relationships and facilitate collaboration in a hybrid environment to ensure resources and services meet demonstrated need Participate in cross-functional teams to develop and implement effective and innovative outreach activities and service enhancements

Participate in projects to develop relevant collections of electronic resources; evaluate new and existing resources; analyze collection metrics

Provide support, consultations, and training on relevant databases, resources, and research tools

Compile and report on metrics and statistics for research and reference services

Other duties as assigned

Skills and Abilities

Strong knowledge of defense, national security, and government information sources and databases (e.g., DTIC, Pro Quest Congressional, Pro Quest Policy, CRS reports, GAO reports)
Ability to conduct comprehensive literature searches across policy, social science, and defense-related databases and platforms using Boolean, keyword, and advanced search techniques

Experience identifying and searching open-source and grey literature sources relevant to defense and national security topics

Proficiency using End Note or other citation management tools

Excellent client service skills

Excellent attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and meet a high standard of work Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, to solve problems creatively, and build effective partnerships using excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills

Ability to handle sensitive and classified information in accordance with applicable security protocols and procedures

Qualifications Required Minimum of 5 years providing reference and consulting services in an academic, special, or government library setting

Demonstrated knowledge of defense, government, and policy information sources and research databases

Experience working with faculty or professional research staff in either an academic or government/corporate environment

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the demonstrated ability to present information to groups

Preferred

Minimum 6-years' experience preferred

Experience supporting national security, defense policy, or government research…