Research Associate - Food and Nutrition Board

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Keck Center

National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine

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keywords: the board,the opportunity,research,program/project activities,writing,database,communication,education,experience,knowledge, skills, and abilities,collaboration,communication,leadership

Full time

Overview: <strong>Req. No.: R0001631</strong><br /><br /><strong>THE BOARD</strong><br />The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has a long history of examining the nation&rsquo;s nutritional well-being and providing sound and providing guidance to policy makers and the public about the application of nutrition and food sciences to improve human health.<br /><br />Established in 1940, the Food and Nutrition Board, within the Health and Medicine Division, studies issues of national and global importance on the safety and adequacy of the U.S. food supply; establishes principles and guidelines for good nutrition; and provides authoritative judgment on the relationships among food intake, nutrition, and health maintenance and disease prevention.<br /><br /><strong>THE OPPORTUNITY</strong><br />Incumbent develops pertinent background research which contributes to a greater understanding of 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. Prepares data for use in summaries, fact sheets, and reports. May lead lower level administrative employees.
Responsibilities: <p><strong>RESPONSIBILITIES</strong></p> <p><strong>RESEARCH</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>PROGRAM/PROJECT ACTIVITIES</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>WRITING</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>DATABASE MANAGEMENT</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>COMMUNICATION</strong></p> <p>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. May be responsible for training and supervising junior staff.</p>
Requirements: <p><strong>EDUCATION</strong></p> <p>Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge. Master's degree in a related field preferred.</p> <p><strong>Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>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.</p> </li> <li> <p>Knowledge of literature nutrition science, maternal and child nutrition, and/or nutritional toxicology preferred.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>EXPERIENCE</strong></p> <p>Two years of related professional experience required.</p> <p><strong>COMMUNICATION AND TEAMWORK</strong></p> <p>Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees. 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.</p> <p><strong>SUPERVISION</strong></p> <p>Reports to program officer/director. Sets goals with supervisor.</p>