Research Associate - U.S. Science and Innovation Policy

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine value diversity in our members, volunteers, and staff and strive for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world.

Keck Center

National Academy of Sciences Engineering Medicine

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provide independent, objective advice to inform policy with evidence, spark progress and innovation, and confront challenging issues for the benefit of society. We marshal knowledge and expertise across disciplines to study complex and sometimes contentious issues, reach consensus based on the evidence, and identify the best path forward. https://www.nationalacademies.org/

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Full time

Overview: The Policy and Global Affairs Division is hiring a Research Associate to work in the Policy Theme, supporting theme-wide activities as well as with the Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine (CWSEM) and the Committee on Science, Engineering, Medicine and Public Policy (COSEMPUP). The Research Associate will work with the Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education, a major activity operating under CWSEM, and on a new consensus study within the Policy Theme, which deals with critical policy and national security issues in higher education. The Research Associate’s work for the two activities will include reviewing and summarizing peer-reviewed research; gathering information on practices within higher education; drafting background papers; editing documents; and identifying experts to inform the project activities. Candidates with knowledge and experience with higher education policy and knowledge of the research and policy landscape on diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education are encouraged to apply. A demonstrated ability to handle complex and sensitive topics in higher education policy, and experience working with leaders in higher education, is a plus. <br /><br />The Research Associate position can also involve the following: 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />
Responsibilities: <ul> <li>Develops information sources. Reads, analyzes, and evaluates data and literature. Prepares preliminary outlines of projects to determine appropriate methodology. Conducts discussions with various officials, academics, allied groups and staff. Analyzes data developed and prepares written interpretations. Synthesizes data for specific sections of the report or other types of output. Verifies references and checks facts of committee reports.</li> <li>Performs research and analysis, analyzing and organizing technical data and reports and compiling summaries of information. May perform basic statistical research and analysis. Prepares and formats various survey instruments and databases to accept specified information.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>May ensure Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and Governing Board Executive Committee (GBEC) compliance. Ensures Current Projects System (CPS) is posted and updated in a timely manner, the Public Access File is maintained, and documents are properly archived.</li> <li>Participates in selecting literature for committee members, forum and workshop participants, and other applicable groups to receive through mailings, briefing books, and meetings. Attends meetings to present and receive feedback regarding study area and prepares meeting summaries.</li> <li>Prepares the report for review and assists with review response. Ensures edits are included in the report. Creates bibliographies, graphics, and tables for reports.</li> <li>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&rsquo;s work.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Serves as a mentor and/or resource to employees. May be responsible for training and supervising junior staff.</li> <li>May assist senior staff in researching and identifying potential speakers and committee and forum members.</li> </ul> NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES<br /> <ul> <li>Related duties and special projects as assigned.</li> </ul>
Requirements: <p dir="LTR"><strong>Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:</strong> 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&rsquo; departments through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.<br /><strong>Minimum Education/Training Requirements</strong>: Bachelor&rsquo;s degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge.<br /><strong>Minimum Experience:</strong> Two years of related professional experience.<br /><strong>Preferred Education and Experience: </strong>Master&rsquo;s degree in a related field.<br /><strong>Physical Capabilities: </strong>Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel.<br /><strong>Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: </strong>None.<br /><strong>Supervisory <span class="WLM2">Responsibilities/Controls:</span></strong> Reports to program officer/director. Sets objectives with supervisor.</p> <p dir="LTR"><strong>Work Environment:&nbsp;</strong>Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment with the ability to work remotely up to 50% of the time, with occasional travel between National Academies&rsquo; facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.</p>