Research Associate - Board on Environmental Change and Society

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 Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine

<br /><br />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/

keywords: about the board,about the position,research,program/project activities,writing,database management,communication,education,experience,knowledge, skills, and abilities,work environment

Full time

$54,240 - $74,575

Overview: Requisition Number: R0002195<br /><br />The Board on Environmental Change and Society (BECS) mobilizes social and behavioral sciences to identify equitable and effective solutions to the challenges at the intersection of environmental change and society. Such solutions must consider behavior and decision making at all scales, including individuals, communities, businesses and governments. Critical drivers include societal values, norms, socioeconomic factors, markets, and policies. The Board draws on interdisciplinary expertise to address the social, political, economic and equity dimensions of environmental change. BECS is responsible for National Academies&rsquo; programs that build understanding of human interactions with the biophysical environment; contribute to the development of a coherent field of scientific endeavor in this area; integrate social and behavioral science research into environmental science and policy; advance the behavioral, social, and decision sciences; and provide benefits to society through the application of these sciences to human-environment interactions.<br /><br />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.<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.
Responsibilities: <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>&nbsp;</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>&nbsp;</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>&nbsp;</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>&nbsp;</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: <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><br />Minimum Education/Training Requirements: </strong>Bachelor&rsquo;s degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge.<br /><strong><br />Minimum Experience:</strong> Two years of related professional experience.<br /><strong><br />Preferred Education and Experience: </strong>Master&rsquo;s degree in a related field.<br /><br /> <p><strong>Physical Capabilities: </strong>Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel.<br /><strong><br />Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: </strong>None.<br /><strong><br />Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: </strong>Reports to program officer/director. Sets objectives with supervisor.<br /><strong><br />Work Environment: </strong>Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment. Incumbent is expected to work onsite 40% of the time for the first several months. Occasional travel between National Academies&rsquo; facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.</p> <p><strong>Compensation Range:</strong> 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 $54,240 - $74,575. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate&rsquo;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.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>The National Academies&rsquo; Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>