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.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

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

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.

Review our benefits

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.

Required Documents

The following documents are required:

A cover letter
A resume

How to Apply

You must upload the cover letter and resume. These two documents are required and must be received by the closing date, 12/01/2025, in order to be considered. Please submit only these documents unless you have prior federal and/or military experience. In that case your most recent SF-50, Statement of Service, and/or DD-214 will also be required.

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJobs account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJobs resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJobs account, https://www.usajobs.gov, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJobs account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJobs account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Office

Phone: (202) 479-3404
Email: hr@supremecourt.gov

Address: Supreme Court of the United States
1 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20543
US

Next steps

Upon submission, you will receive an e-mail acknowledging receipt of your application. Please be advised that your application will not be considered complete unless all of the required documents have been received. All applicants will be notified once a selection has been made.

Research Librarian Job in Washington, DC