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
