Rapid Evidence Synthesis Librarian (0.8 FTE Term)

Applications are invited from qualified individuals for a 0.8FTE two-year term librarian position. We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, and flexible individual with the appropriate skills and qualifications to work collaboratively as part of a rapid evidence synthesis (RES) team. As a RES librarian, the incumbent works as part of this RES team comprised of a coordinator, research scientists, and one other librarian. The RES team is a new initiative, which is a partnership of University of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, supported by the Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research.

Reporting to the Dean through the Assistant Dean, Research Support Services, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Developing the RES initiative literature search methods and workflows in collaboration with the other RES librarian
• Participating in reference interviews for assigned reviews
• Performing comprehensive literature searches of published and grey literature to fulfill the evidence needs for review requests
• Performing literature search updates at indicated intervals for living reviews
• Completing evidence search reports to be sent to the assigned research scientist for assigned reviews
• Maintaining a comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of evidence synthesis and expert searching
• Providing consultation and training to research teams on evidence synthesis literature search methodology
• Ongoing assessment of the expert searcher services
• Engaging with other knowledge synthesis activities (e.g., training, instruction) in the library
• Contributing to the strategic priorities of the Research Support Services division

Qualifications

An ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science degree or international equivalent is required for this appointment.

We welcome applications from candidates who demonstrate knowledge and experience in some, but not all, of the areas listed below. Candidates who are excited about this role are encouraged to apply.

• demonstrated experience with knowledge synthesis review search strategy development, implementation, and documentation
• demonstrated experience conducting systematic review searches in databases such as OVID MEDLINE/PubMed, OVID EMBASE, CAB Abstracts, Web of Science, Scopus; other databases via platforms such as EBSCOhost, ProQuest
• knowledge of methodologies, guidelines, standards and best practices of evidence synthesis and expert searching
• demonstrated experience providing reference or research assistance and instruction/training in an academic, research, or clinical environment
• demonstrated experience using and/or training others in evidence synthesis project management tools, such as Covidence, DistillerSR, Rayyan, or others
• demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications and analytical ability
• demonstrated experience collaborating with colleagues to problem-solve and share knowledge, with a commitment to team efforts and service excellence

About Saskatoon

Saskatoon is situated along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. Saskatoon is a vibrant, livable city known for its natural beauty, friendly community, and diverse cultural and leisure offerings. Although Saskatoon is the largest urban centre in the province with a population of over 300,000 its residents enjoy short commute times and some of the lowest apartment rental and housing prices in the country.

About the University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan is one of the top research-intensive, medical doctoral universities in Canada, and is home to world-leading research in areas of global importance, such as water and food security and infectious diseases. Guided by our University Plan: The University the World Needs, we work together across disciplines and with our communities to find creative solutions to the most pressing global challenges. USask has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 25,000.

About the University Library

As one of Canada’s leading research libraries, the University Library serves as the intellectual hub of USask, providing resources, services, and spaces that facilitate inquiry, discovery, and knowledge creation. Our Strategic Framework focuses on building scholars and decolonizing the library. The University Library is committed to developing welcoming, responsive, and accessible services and resources to support our diverse clientele, with a strategic focus on Indigenous peoples.

The University Library has a robust digital library and is physically distributed across six locations on campus to support the learning, teaching, and research communities. We are structured in four functional divisions: Collections and Discovery, Learning and Curriculum Support, Research Support Services, University Archives and Special Collections. For more information, visit the University Library website.

The University Library values a diverse employee complement in the broadest sense and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. To correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, the University Library encourages applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Salary bands for this position for the 2024-2025 academic year are as follows: Assistant Librarian: $89,983 to $107,323; Associate Librarian: $107,323 to $128,131; Librarian: $128,131 to $155,875, prorated to 0.8 FTE. It is anticipated that this position will be filled at the Assistant level. Starting salary will be calculated from the base salary with consideration given for previous librarian experience.

This position includes a comprehensive benefits package which includes a dental, health and extended vision care plan; pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long term disability, sick leave, travel insurance, death benefits, an employee assistance program, a professional expense allowance, and a flexible health and wellness spending program.

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthening these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.