Director for Evidence Synthesis

Note: APA operates on a 37.5-hour work week with one-hour lunch breaks each day. APA sets salaries based on several considerations, including years of relevant experience, level of education, and previous staff and/or governance experience at APA.

The Director for Evidence Synthesis will be a critical member of the Science Knowledge and Expertise (SKE) unit within the APA Psychology Team. SKE staff support the use and dissemination of rigorous, transparent, and equitable psychological science and the representation of scientists from different subfields and with diverse backgrounds. Staff in this unit assist with literature reviews, summarizing and aggregating scientific knowledge, and identifying scientific experts in all areas of psychology. Staff also review materials to ensure scientific accuracy and advise on scientific-knowledge-related questions. 

The Director for Evidence Synthesis will assist in the development of syntheses based in psychological science that are most relevant to the current priorities of the association. Activities will include the collection of relevant scholarly resources, the maintenance of databases to catalog scientific expertise, and the production/updating of research syntheses that can be used for multiple teams within the association (e.g., psychology, communications, and advocacy teams; CEO office).

Education and Experience Required:    

• Master’s Degree in psychology required, Ph.D. in psychology preferred.
• This position requires a broad understanding of the psychological science literature, including multiple theories and methodologies used
• Knowledge of information gathering and research in the digital age. Ability to solve problems of substantial variety and complexity and to undertake tasks broad in nature.
• Ability to operate independently, and exercise independent judgment, discretion, and action.
• Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams.
• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.

Computer Skills Required:
Microsoft Office: Advanced user, Internet and AI assisted search tools: Advanced user, Research Databases, including PsycINFO: Advanced user.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a senior scientific resource to SKE Program Associates, providing expert guidance, methodological direction, and quality assurance in the identification, selection, and organization of references and resources that reflect rigorous, transparent, and equitable psychological science across high‑priority topic areas defined by the association.
• Write and edit summaries of scientific knowledge in assigned high‑priority areas, integrating findings across theories, methodologies, and subfields; ensure syntheses are accurate, balanced, and accessible, and proactively updated to reflect new evidence, emerging research, and changes in the scientific landscape.
• Consult and collaborate with external scientific experts and researchers, as needed, to inform evidence syntheses, deepen subject‑matter understanding, validate interpretations, and ensure that complex or evolving areas of psychological science are represented accurately and comprehensively.
• Maintain and manage knowledge and expertise databases that enable APA staff to efficiently access up‑to‑date syntheses of scientific knowledge aligned with association priorities; and
  a diverse and inclusive pool of scientists with relevant expertise.
• Assist in providing scientific input, review, and editorial guidance for a wide range of APA materials—including newsletters, articles, online content, RFIs, advisories, and related products—ensuring scientific accuracy, appropriate interpretation of evidence, and alignment with APA’s standards, priorities, and public trust responsibilities.
• Provide guidance, consultation, and training to staff, upon request, on conducting effective literature searches, evaluating research quality, and applying evidence‑informed approaches; support capacity‑building across APA teams in the responsible use of psychological science.
• Engage in a broad range of additional activities, as assigned by the Senior Director, Scientific Knowledge and Expertise that advance the goals and objectives of APA, the Psychology Team, and the interests of APA staff, members, and governance.
• Perform other duties as assigned, exercising independent judgment and discretion in conducting work that supports the effective functioning of the Science Knowledge and Expertise unit and addresses evolving organizational needs.

About APA:

The American Psychological Association (APA) represents 146,000 psychologists, students, and affiliates, primarily in the U.S. and Canada but also in other countries around the world. APA is a scientific and professional organization with about 500 employees and is categorized as a 501(c)(3) along with its 501(c)(6) companion organization, APA Services, Inc.

APA offers a generous employee benefits program, including Remote Work/Flexible Scheduling; a 401(k) option with employer match of up to 4%; medical, dental, and vision insurance options and an outpatient mental health benefit; paid personal/vacation time plus 12 paid holidays; Family/Medical Leave; tuition assistance; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); short- and long-term disability insurance; and more. 

Job Location: Remote: APA jobs may be considered for remote work eligibility as defined in APA’s Flexible Work Policy and are subject to approval. Remote work employees may not work from the following states or U.S. territories: Alaska, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, Wyoming.

Application Instructions:

Qualified candidates must apply online through APA’s applicant system and attach a resume and cover letter specifying your salary expectations. Applications that are submitted without both documents are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed for consideration. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to check your Spam folder if you do not receive an email from us.

The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected categories covered under local law. #LIRemote