Knowledge Synthesis Librarian

Simon Fraser University Library invites applications for the position of Knowledge Synthesis Librarian. Reporting to the Head, Research Commons and based at the W.A.C. Bennett Library on SFU’s Burnaby campus, this position leads the development, delivery, and advancement of knowledge synthesis services at SFU Library. The successful candidate will play a key role in collaboratively establishing a sustainable and scalable service model that supports researchers across disciplines and advances institutional capacity in knowledge synthesis. The incumbent will provide support across disciplines on systematic reviews and other forms of knowledge synthesis, including resource and guideline development, consultations, and potential co-authorship. The Knowledge Synthesis Librarian will develop and deliver instruction and programming to build research-skill capacity through workshops and courses. They will have excellent communication and collaboration skills and will work with and support students, librarians, researchers, and professional staff. The incumbent will also work collaboratively with SFU’s Knowledge Mobilization Hub and specifically Knowledge Link, which provides evidence synthesis services to external partners. The Knowledge Synthesis Librarian will be aware of trends in knowledge synthesis, energized by advancing change within a large, collegial organization, and prepared to contribute to the Library and University within the context of SFU’s governance structures.

SETTING

We acknowledge the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) peoples, on whose traditional territories Simon Fraser University's three campuses stand. By recognizing the Unceded Traditional Coast Salish territories, we aspire to create space for Reconciliation through dialogue and decolonizing practices.

Ranked by respected national surveys as one of Canada’s top three comprehensive universities for the past 20 years, Simon Fraser University has also been consistently named one of British Columbia’s Top Employers in recent years, as well as one of Canada’s Top 100 employers, and one of Canada's top family-friendly employers. SFU offers more than 100 undergraduate major and joint major programs and more than 75 graduate offerings, spanning many disciplines in eight faculties, and has an international reputation for its innovative interdisciplinary and professional programs. The main W.A.C. Bennett Library is located on the Burnaby campus, while the Samuel and Frances Belzberg Library is on the Vancouver campus, and Fraser Library is at SFU Surrey.

The SFU Library is known for the development and implementation of innovative technology, leadership in Open Access, and excellent in-person and online user services. We serve an ethnically diverse student population, most of whom live off-campus and work part-time while attending university. SFU Library collaborates broadly with other institutions through membership in the Canadian Association of Research Libraries, the Association of Research Libraries, and regional consortia. For more information, see our website.

The SFU Library is committed to a continuous process of transformation to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to serve the cause of social justice. The Library’s Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion provides more information.

ASSIGNMENT

• Lead the development and implementation of a sustainable knowledge synthesis service model for SFU Library that balances researcher needs with library capacity
• Provide expert consultation and support for systematic reviews, scoping reviews, rapid reviews, and other knowledge syntheses in subject areas outside the SFU Stephens Family School of Medicine
• Maintain an active portfolio of knowledge synthesis consultations and research partnerships
• Develop and maintain web content, tutorials, guides, and other resources that support self-directed knowledge synthesis learning
• Design and deliver workshops, consultations, customized training, and educational programming on knowledge synthesis methods, tools, and best practices
• Advance librarian knowledge synthesis competencies at SFU through mentoring, training, and the development of shared practices and resources
• Integrate knowledge synthesis learning into curricula, graduate student research, theses, and faculty research initiatives in collaboration with librarians, faculty, and other partners
• Provide expertise and guidance on best practices related to the use of AI and other emerging technologies in knowledge synthesis work
• Contribute to scholarship, service, and engagement with relevant University and professional communities
• Participate in appropriate professional activities at the local, regional, national, or international level
• Advance the Library’s values and the goals outlined in the Simon Fraser University Library Academic Plan 2025-30

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program or an equivalent recognized qualification
• Extensive experience conducting or supporting systematic reviews, scoping reviews, rapid reviews, and other knowledge synthesis approaches
• Expertise with knowledge synthesis management and related research tools (e.g., Covidence, Rayyan, NVivo, and citation management software)
• Demonstrated understanding of standards and reporting frameworks for knowledge synthesis across disciplines
• Understanding of qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, and applied research approaches across disciplines
• Extensive experience designing and delivering knowledge synthesis workshops, consultations, and online learning materials
• Experience participating on research teams, contributing to protocols, publications, grants, and knowledge mobilization activities
• Demonstrated current awareness of best practices around AI use in knowledge synthesis including the opportunities and limitations of AI-assisted searching, screening, data extraction, and analysis
• Ability to lead the development and implementation of a sustainable knowledge synthesis service model for SFU Library
• Record of scholarly activity, presentations, publications, or professional engagement
• Record of professional development and learning that is attentive to trends and best practices in academic libraries or related fields
• Proven ability to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment.
• Sustained commitment to and record of engagement in equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives
• Knowledge and record of advancing decolonial activities
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural skills, including clear, effective oral and written communication

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

This is a full-time continuing Librarian appointment, with an anticipated start date in January 2027 or as soon as the successful candidate is available.

Librarians are members of the SFU Faculty Association. Terms, conditions and benefits of employment are outlined in the Collective Agreement: https://www.sfu.ca/faculty-relations/collectiveagreement.html. Benefits including family, housing, relocation resources, down payment assistance (A21.07), and other supports are available from the Faculty Relations website.

The successful applicant will be appointed at a rank and salary level commensurate with their experience and qualifications. For more information about eligibility and requirements for appointment at each Librarian rank, please see SFU/SFUFA Collective Agreement Article Art 36.14 – 36.25. Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. Minimum salary for Librarian ranks 2-4 are as follows: Librarian 2 $91,979; Librarian 3 is $104,700 and Librarian 4 $117,421. Current salary scales are available from: https://www.sfu.ca/faculty-relations/salary.html.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University. If you have questions in advance of applying, please send an email to library@sfu.ca.

Personal information that forms part of an application is collected under the general authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, applicable University Policies, and the SFUFA/SFU Collective Agreement. For further details see the full Collection Notice.

Information about what to expect when you apply for a librarian position at SFU is available here: https://www.lib.sfu.ca/about/overview/employment/what-expect-librarian-position