Job Description Summary:
**A cover letter is required to be considered for this requisition**The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine seeks a Research Associate to work on a portfolio of activities within the Board on Environmental Change and Society and other programs within the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education.
The Research Associate develops pertinent background research which contributes to a greater understanding of conditions, issues and trends impacting assigned program(s) or project(s), subjects and topics. Drafts background papers. Prepares preliminary outlines of projects to determine appropriate methodology, which may involve developing an historical perspective; identifying prevailing social and economic conditions, outlining legislative considerations; regulatory impact; international involvement in issues; and future trends and implications. Performs research and analysis. Documents and establishes files on all statistical analyses performed. Prepares data for use in summaries, fact sheets, and reports. Edits report material developed by committee members, senior staff, and consultants. Responds to inquiries about study activities and increases public awareness of studies. Manages related databases, including reference databases. May assist with administrative duties related to programs/projects.
Applying general professional level knowledge and principals of research, incumbent performs duties requiring the identification and analysis of various factors and independent judgment and discretion to recommend best course of action. Incumbent proceeds on own initiative in compliance with policies, procedures, and practices, but receives guidance or expertise from supervisor or higher-level staff when needed. May lead and/or supervise lower-level support employees.
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
RESEARCH
Performs research and analysis. Develops information sources. Reads, analyzes, and evaluates data and literature and compiles summaries of information. Prepares preliminary outlines of projects to determine appropriate methodology. Synthesizes data for specific sections of the report or other types of output. Verifies references and checks facts of committee reports. May perform basic statistical research and analysis. Performs literature searches.
PROGRAM/PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Attends meetings to present and receive feedback regarding study area and prepares meeting summaries. Ensures Current Projects System (CPS) is posted and updated in a timely manner, the Public Access File is maintained, and documents are properly archived. May ensure Federal Advisory Committee Act, (FACA) and Governing Board Executive Committee (GBEC) compliance. Performs administrative tasks such as corresponding with committee members, participating in the planning and execution of committee meetings, and other tasks associated with preparing for committee meetings and workshops. May assist senior staff in researching and identifying potential speakers and committee and forum members.
WRITING
Writes technical papers or summaries. Abstracts information from scientific studies to create tables for committee review or use in committee reports. Drafts, summarizes, and edits findings and provides feedback to appropriate parties. Edits report material developed by committee members, senior staff, and consultants.
DATABASE MANAGEMENT
Manages database to track references. Manages and maintains bibliographic and analytical databases. Documents and establishes files on all statistical analyses performed indicating methodology, variations in manipulation of data and resource materials used. Prepares and formats various survey instruments and databases to accept specified information.
COMMUNICATION
Responds to inquiries from the public sector, sponsors and other scientific peers outside of the National Academies. Increases public awareness of studies. Identifies and contacts professional and advocacy groups interested in the committee's work. Serves as a mentor and/or resource to employees.
NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Related duties and special projects as assigned.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to solve intellectual problems of appreciable variety and complexity using originality and ingenuity. Ability to exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies’ departments through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.
Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge.
Minimum Experience: Two years of related professional experience.
Preferred Education and Experience: Master’s degree in a related field.
Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel.
Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Reports to program officer/director. Sets objectives with supervisor.
Compensation Range: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine support equity, fairness, and transparency in our compensation programs. An estimated compensation range for this position is $56,410 - $70,510. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range. This is a benefits-eligible position. Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance. For more information, please click here.
Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment. Incumbent is expected to work onsite 40% of the time for the first several months. Occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.
The National Academies’ Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:
We, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies), value diversity among our staff, members, volunteers, partners, vendors, and audiences. We recognize that talent is broadly distributed in society and that many perspectives enhance the quality of our work and drive innovation and impact.
We pledge to cultivate a workplace culture and climate that promotes inclusion, belonging, accessibility, and anti-racism; upholds equity; and values the participation of all who are engaged in advancing our mission. By embracing the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our programs, institutional policies and practices, and products, we will be able to better advise the nation on the most complex issues facing society and the world.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that is consistent with equal employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, medical condition for which a person has been rehabilitated or cured, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, matriculation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.
Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units.
Job Family:
PROG