Research and Instruction Librarian

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

Working as part of the Research & Instruction team, the Research & Instruction Librarian assists and instructs users in the effective use of biomedical information resources and databases.

The primary functions are to

1. Support the educational missions of the Harvard Medical School, the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and the Chan Harvard School of Public Health by providing curricular and extracurricular instruction and training, and
2. to support the research missions of these same institutions by providing research and reference services over a broad range of subject domains.

The responsibilities of the Research and Instruction Librarian include:

Education

• Develops and implements educational programs in support of graduate programs at the Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and Chan School of Public Health.
• Subject matter experience in evidence-based medicine, public health, dentistry, and/or healthcare delivery.
• Instructs students and clinical faculty on using point of care resources.
• Keeps abreast of current developments in clinical research methods, evidence-based clinical practice and medical education.
• Provides instruction to Harvard-affiliated researches in the use of biological, genetic, and genomics databases.
• Provides instruction in literature-based research methods and databases searching.
• Provides training support to the larger academic community for information discovery and retrieval, systematic literature reviews, and in the use of specialized writing and bibliographic tools such as EndNote, Covidence, and Zotero.
• Designs and creates online educational materials to support both curricular and extracurricular training in the use of information sources.
• Contribute to the creation of online learning tools for resource discovery, literature searching, citation management, and the Countway FAQ. Provide recorded orientation and training sessions.
• Provides instruction about generative AI tool usage including use cases, ethical considerations, and limitations.

Research Support

• Provide support to Harvard faculty in producing high-quality systematic literature searches to support the creation of comprehensive and evidence synthesis reviews.
• Consult in the development of research questions, creating appropriate research designs, and designing carrying out literature searches in a variety of electronic databases.
• Provide reference assistance to Harvard-affiliated investigators as needed in the areas of biological sciences, clinical medicine, public health, and health and public health data resources.

Collection Development

• Investigates, evaluates, and implements new information technology resources and tools.
• Participates in the selection of resources to support the educational and research missions of the institutions the Countway serves.

Administrative Service

• Participates in needs assessment, strategic planning, and program development.
• Represents the Countway Library on appropriate Harvard Library committees, task forces, and project teams to support the larger mission of the Harvard Library.

As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter that will help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited institution or advanced degree in the health sciences or a health-related field.
• 3 or more years’ experience in an academic health sciences or biomedical library.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Active involvement/interest in professional associations and scholarship.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation, and instructional skills.
• Able to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• High degree of organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated initiative, the ability to manage multiple projects and a commitment to professional development.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of Evidence-Based Medicine and the Systematic Review process.
• Knowledge of structure and usage of biomedical databases including but not limited to PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and point-of-care tools such as DynaMedex/DynaAI.
• Service-centered orientation and the ability to build and sustain relationships.
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience working with diverse groups to reach common goals.
• Flexibility and adaptability for work in an evolving, fast-paced environment.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.