Research Informationist

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.

RAND is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization that provides leaders with the information they need to make evidence-based decisions.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Minimum…