Careers at Virginia Tech

The Evidence Synthesis Information Scientist, reporting to the Assistant Director, Evidence Synthesis Services, will join the collaborative Evidence Synthesis Services team in supporting evidence synthesis research at Virginia Tech for Blacksburg, Roanoke, the National Capital Region, and other university locations and affiliates. The successful candidate will be an ambassador for high-quality evidence synthesis at Virginia Tech; as an expert in search techniques and synthesis methods such as systematic reviews; provide guidelines-based consultation, outreach, live and asynchronous training, and additional support for systematic reviews and other topics related to evidence synthesis; explore emerging tools, resources, and methods for evidence synthesis; supervise student assistants; serve as subject area liaison to one or more departments, institutes, or program areas; and contribute to supporting the Virginia Tech community in adoption of open and collaborative research practices. Participate in serving on institutional or professional committees, and demonstrating a commitment to team efforts, service excellence, and Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community.

- Masters degree from an ALA-accredited graduate program; OR an advanced degree in a position-related field, such as: data science, epidemiology, health sciences, life sciences, social sciences, public health, statistics, agricultural science, environmental science, engineering, or other related fields
- Demonstrated experience leading systematic review search strategy development, implementation, and documentation
- Demonstrated experience conducting systematic review searches in databases such as MEDLINE/PubMed, CAB Abstracts, Scopus; other databases via platforms such as EBSCOhost, ProQuest, Web of Science
- Demonstrated experience using and supporting others in evidence synthesis search methodologies, guidelines, and standards such as those recommended by Cochrane, Campbell, the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence; PRISMA, MECCIR, ROSES; etc.
- Demonstrated experience providing reference or research assistance and instruction/training in an academic, research, or clinical environment
- Demonstrated experience in outreach, relationship building, and collaboration with a variety of groups such as faculty, students, or vendors
- Demonstrated experience designing, planning, implementing, and maintaining complex projects
- Demonstrated experience collaborating with colleagues to problem-solve and share knowledge, with a commitment to team efforts and service excellence
- Demonstrated ability to effectively understand and communicate complex ideas to novice and scientific/technical audiences
- Excellent writing and communication skills, including experience with proofreading publication manuscripts and following a variety of style guides

- Demonstrated experience peer reviewing systematic review search strategies
- Demonstrated experience using and/or training others in evidence synthesis project management tools, such as: Covidence, DistillerSR, Rayyan, or others
- Demonstrated experience providing support or instruction for developing and refining research scope; critical appraisal of primary research; systematic data extraction or coding; approaches to synthesizing qualitative evidence; and/or archiving supplemental material
- Demonstrated experience with conducting and/or interpreting primary research
- Demonstrated experience managing and/or analyzing data
- Demonstrated experience in using and/or training others in text or data mining, machine learning, language models, or other AI tools for evidence synthesis
- Demonstrated experience supervising students and/or staff

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Regular, A/P Faculty, Lecturer

$65,000 minimum dependent on qualifications and experience

40

4/1/25

This position is eligible for hybrid or fully remote, and the work arrangement will be confirmed upon hire. As necessary, may need to be onsite for collaboration purposes, with up to four campus visits per year.

The application package needs to include a resume, cover letter addressing the candidate’s experience with the responsibilities associated with the position, and the required and preferred qualifications, and the names of three(3) references and their contact information.

The University Libraries at Virginia Tech is committed to building a culturally diverse community and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities. We are committed to mentoring and establishing safe spaces, both physical and virtual, where employees from current and historically minoritized groups can thrive.

The members of the University Libraries at Virginia Tech strive individually and collectively to create, sustain, and share inclusive ways of knowing in conscientious community with each other and all the people we serve in every space we shape. In keeping with our Aspirational Identity and the Virginia Tech Principles of Community, the University Libraries commits to build and maintain enduring climates of mutual care, respect, and responsibility.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.