Specialist Librarian - Freelance
Key Skills for This Role
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Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and execute comprehensive, reproducible literature search strategies for systematic reviews, scoping reviews, rapid evidence assessments, evidence maps, and other evidence synthesis projects, primarily in the field of health and healthcare
- Support all stages of the evidence synthesis process, including protocol development, development and review of search strategies, and documentation of methodology in line with applicable reporting standards (such as PRISMA)
- Provide expert consultancy and guidance to research teams on systematic and scoping review methods, processes, and tools, including at the proposal development stage
- Conduct searches across a wide range of bibliographic databases (including MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and others) using MeSH, Emtree, Boolean, keyword, and proximity search techniques
- Define and execute 'grey' literature searches across relevant repositories including government and parliamentary publications, clinical guidelines, HTA databases, and international organisation sources
- Evaluate and advise on the appropriate use of AI-assisted and technology-supported tools for evidence synthesis (e.g., Covidence, DistillerSR, Elicit, Rayyan), maintaining a transparent, critical, and methodologically rigorous approach to their application
- Define and maintain bibliographic records using reference management software, including EndNote and Zotero
- Contribute to the training and guidance of research staff on information literacy, literature searching skills, and evidence synthesis methods
- Contribute to the development and improvement of internal guidance, templates, and resources relating to systematic review and evidence synthesis practice
Essential
Postgraduate qualification in library and information science, information management, or a closely related field, ideally from a CILIP-accredited programme or equivalent
Substantial experience providing library and information services in a research, academic, or health sciences library setting, with direct and demonstrable involvement in systematic review and evidence synthesis work
Expertise in designing and documenting systematic literature searches, with strong working knowledge of systematic review and evidence synthesis methodology and standards
Proficiency searching major health and biomedical bibliographic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL) and general academic databases (e.g., Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, EBSCOhost platforms)
Thorough knowledge of relevant reporting guidelines and methodological standards, including PRISMA, PRESS, and Cochrane or JBI methods
Experience conducting grey literature searches across health-related and public policy domains
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to communicate complex methodological information clearly to non-specialist audiences
Strong attention to detail, well-developed organisational skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced research environment
Collaborative approach and the ability to build effective working relationships across multidisciplinary teams
Commitment to evidence synthesis best practices and to the highest professional standards in search strategy development, methodological documentation, and quality assurance
Desirable
Experience working in a research consultancy, think tank, policy research institute, or equivalent environment
CILIP membership or chartership (MCLIP or FCLIP), or membership of other relevant professional bodies such as EAHIL or CILIP Health Libraries Group
Experience with AI-assisted and technology-supported evidence synthesis tools (e.g., Covidence, DistillerSR, Elicit)
Academic background or professional experience in a health, biomedical, or public health discipline
Knowledge of health technology assessment (HTA) frameworks, or experience working with or for organisations such as NICE, ECDC, EMA, WHO, or Cochrane
Experience providing formal or informal training and coaching to researchers on literature searching and evidence synthesis
Familiarity with research funding and grant proposal processes in a UK or European context
RAND Europe offers a stimulating, intellectually rewarding, and collegial working environment, with competitive remuneration. We work across a wide range of topics and clients, including the UK Government and European Union institutions, and provide an opportunity to engage on an exciting range of topics, tools, and clients.
If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application below. We will be speaking with suitable candidates as they apply.
About RAND Europe
Independent nonprofit European policy research organization serving governments and public-interest leaders with rigorous evidence and analysis.
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