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Research Librarian

Judicial Branch
Supreme Court of the United States
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This is a full-time position with the Library at the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C.

Closing Date: Monday, 12/01/2025, 11:59 PM EDT

Please note that this vacancy has a limit of 200 applicants. The job opportunity announcement will automatically close if that limit is reached prior to the closing date.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
11/17/2025 to 12/01/2025
This job will close when we have received 200 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$101,401 to - $156,755 per year

depending upon qualifications.

Pay scale & grade
GG 12
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington, DC
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
13
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
SCOTUS-12836037-LIB
Control number
850218900

Duties

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Research Librarians provide in-depth, comprehensive legal and multidisciplinary research for Chambers, law clerks, Court Officers, staff, and others. Utilizing resources in multiple formats and fields of inquiry, they serve as research experts in culling through the wide array of available materials to provide thorough responses to questions. Research Librarians work under intense time pressure and tight deadlines while determining efficient and effective search strategies to meet the research needs and expectations of Chambers and law clerks. They develop and create new formats and resources for the assembly, organization, and delivery of research results to Chambers and other Court constituencies. They perform collection development through selection responsibilities and resource evaluations. Research Librarians provide training and orientations to law clerks and new employees regarding Library resources and services. They participate in the design and maintenance of a complex relational database for research inquiries. In addition, they have broad programmatic responsibilities for long-term projects that influence the overall effectiveness of the Research Department and the Library.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

  • Expert knowledge of research and reference services and methodologies, legal principles and terminology, court structure and procedure, and legal and non-legal research and related bibliography.
  • Demonstrated expertise in research in legal and non-legal subject areas, including advanced skills with and knowledge of the major electronic resources.
  • Understanding of technology and databases sufficient to use and maintain existing resources and to assist in the design and development of new resources.
  • Ability to quickly become familiar with and comfortable using new databases, web resources, and emerging technologies needed to support research functions and services.
  • Ability to initiate, plan, manage, and complete complex projects.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple projects under intense time pressures while maintaining the appropriate attention to detail.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively across organizational lines.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the work.


Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Meet Experience Requirements (see Qualifications)
  • Employment is subject to successful completion of a security background check.
  • If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See: www.sss.gov

Qualifications

At least three years of professional experience in law library setting, performing legal research, general reference, and legislative and historical research in both print and electronic formats and resources, required. Experience with major legal and non-legal databases, including, but not limited to, Westlaw, Lexis, HeinOnline, Bloomberg Law, PACER, Proquest, and JSTOR, required. Experience in the research and literature of one non-legal subject area, such as empirical research, history or business, highly desired. Knowledge of a foreign language desired.

Education

MLS/MLIS (or equivalent) degree from an ALA-accredited institution required. JD degree from an ABA-accredited institution strongly preferred.

Additional information

Working for the Supreme Court of the United States offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. Additional benefits include flexible spending accounts, long-term care insurance, and the SmartBenefits transit subsidy.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review and assess your application package in comparison with the posted qualifications for the position.

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