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, ProQuest Congressional, ProQuest 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 EndNote 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 Require d
Minimum of 5 years providing reference and consulting…