Liaison Librarian for Health & Life Sciences – Temporary, Part-Time

Liaison Librarian for Health & Life Sciences – Temporary, Part-Time

Simon Fraser University Library invites applications for the position of Liaison Librarian for Health & Life Sciences, a 0.8FTE term appointment ending on May 3, 2026, based at the WAC Bennett Library on SFU’s Burnaby campus.

Reporting to the Head, Learning & Engagement, the incumbent will act as a liaison between SFU Library and students, faculty, and staff, primarily providing research and information literacy support. The successful candidate will promote library services and advocate for resources and services relevant to the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Biological Sciences, the Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, and the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. With significant increase in demand for evidence synthesis support among faculty and graduate students in Health & Life Sciences at SFU, this position offers an opportunity to build experience in evolving research methodologies.

The role will be attractive to highly adaptable and collaborative individuals with excellent communication skills, a user-centered focus, and a demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive working and learning environments. The committee encourages all applications, including those from new graduates and early-career librarians, and those with non-traditional career paths. Candidates who are transitioning into or back to librarianship or who have relevant skills from coursework, volunteer work, or other professions are invited to share experiences and expertise that may align with this role.

SETTING

Simon Fraser University is grateful to be located on the lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh ̱ (Squamish), səlilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓ícə̓ y̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓ əm (Kwikwetlem), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓ (Kwantlen), Səmyámə (Semiahmoo), and scə̓ waθən (Tsawwassen) Nations.

Acknowledging the benefits of occupying this land, SFU Library commits to becoming a more welcoming space for Indigenous Peoples by centering Indigenous voices in our collections, services, and programs.

Simon Fraser University is committed to creating and connecting knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and impact, in pursuit of its goal to be a leading research university that advances an inclusive and sustainable future. Consistently ranked as Canada’s #1 comprehensive university, SFU is recognized globally for its cutting-edge research, innovative education, and community outreach and teaching. SFU 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. With more than 100 undergraduate major and joint major programs and more than 75 graduate offerings, SFU 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 the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board Library is on the Surrey campus.

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 web site at https://www.lib.sfu.ca.

The SFU Library commits 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

• Act as liaison between the SFU Library and the faculty, staff and students in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Department of Biological Sciences, the Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, and the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry:
  • Provide subject-specific research services and in-depth consultations;
  • Consult with graduate students, faculty, and researchers on knowledge synthesis and evidence synthesis projects;
  • Develop and provide curriculum-integrated information literacy instruction;
  • Promote library services and collections and facilitate connections between the departments and the library;
• Work with colleagues in Library units including Learning & Engagement, Collections, and the Liaison Group;
• Develop professional knowledge, skills, and disciplinary expertise;
• Incorporate SFU Library’s commitments to equity, inclusion, and decolonization into all planning and activities;
• Option to participate in working groups, committees, task groups, etc.;
• Option to engage in research activities;
• Advance the values and goals outlined in the Library’s Strategic Plan.

QUALIFICATIONS

While the search committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all the qualifications in equal measure, the following qualifications are presented in priority-order and will be used in the assessment of candidates for the position.

• Master's degree in Library or Information Studies from an ALA accredited program, or its equivalent (required);
• Ability to provide research support in a complex and collaborative environment, preferably with experience or academic background in the Health or Life Sciences;
• Capacity to support researchers conducting evidence/knowledge synthesis research (e.g. systematic reviews, scoping reviews, rapid reviews, etc.);
• Familiarity with disciplinary research tools (e.g. Covidence, subject-specific databases, advanced search strategies, etc.);
• Skill in planning and delivering instruction;
• Ability to recognize, respect and work effectively with individuals and groups with diverse perspectives and backgrounds;
• Commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and decolonization in operational work, with an interest in supporting social justice and Indigenous initiatives;
• Ability to develop, maintain, and grow professional relationships;
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written). These skills include but are not limited to strong listening skills, a collaborative approach, and the curiosity and willingness to ask questions;
• Ability to learn, adapt and work in a collegial team environment;
• Commitment to continued professional

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

This is a 0.8FTE limited-term Librarian appointment. The position will start as soon as the successful candidate is available and end on May 3, 2026.

Librarians and Division Heads 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

The successful applicant will be appointed at a rank and salary level commensurate with their experience and qualifications. Faculty salaries at SFU are based on the salary scales bargained between the University and the SFU Faculty Association. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is Librarian/Archivist 1 $85,619 to Librarian/Archivist 3 $136,503. 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. Simon Fraser University is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all genders, racialized persons, persons of First Nations, Inuit, or Métis heritage, persons with disabilities, and persons who identify as LGBTQ2SIA+.

Under the authority of the University Act, personal information that is required by the University for academic appointment competitions will be collected. For further details see: https://www.sfu.ca/vpacademic/academic-careers.html

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