Research Associate - Division on Earth and Life Studies
Washington, DC 
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Posted 4 days ago
Job Description
Job Description Summary:OVERVIEW
The incumbent will work with two Boards within the Division on Earth and Life Studies: the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Board on Animal Health Sciences, Conservation, and Research.

ABOUT THE BOARDS
The Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources (BANR) provides evidence-based policy advice on issues in agriculture, forestry, wildlife, and the use of land, water, and other natural resources. BANR clarifies scientific concerns around agricultural production and ecological stewardship; provides advice on animal nutrition and health; recommends ways to manage crop pests and diseases. BANR scans technological horizons in search of opportunities for the food and agriculture bioeconomy and explores ways to strengthen the nation's scientific capacity for improved problem-solving and innovation.

With the ultimate goal to support the health of both animals and humans, the Board on Animal Health Sciences, Conservation, and Research (BAHSCR) provides science-based guidance on research with animals in laboratory and clinical settings, wild and semi-wild environments, zoological institutions and aquaria. Built on the strong foundation of the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research (ILAR), BAHSCR examines innovative animal models and alternative research approaches; advises on the care and use of animals in research in humane and evidence-informed ways; and enhances understanding of the need for animal studies. BAHSCR collaborates across the National Academies to address interdisciplinary challenges in wildlife management, conservation, animal welfare, One Health, and other realms.

THE OPPORTUNITY
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 provide guidance to administrative staff.

Job Description:

RESPONSIBILITIES

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. May be responsible for training and supervising junior staff.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge. Master's degree in a related field preferred.

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 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.

EXPERIENCE

Two years of related professional experience required.

COMMUNICATION AND TEAMWORK

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.

SUPERVISION

Reports to program officer/director. Sets goals with supervisor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Hybrid Office environment, 40% onsite requirement, 2 days/week. Occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.

Compensation: 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 - $67,790. 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.

The National Academies' Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:

To promote diversity and inclusion in the sciences, engineering, and medicine, we are committed to increasing the diversity of the National Academies' staff, members, and volunteers to reflect the populations we serve. We pledge to cultivate an environment and culture that promotes inclusion and values respectful participation of all individuals who help advance the mission of the institution.

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

Employee Type:Employee

Scheduled Weekly Hours:37.5

City/State:Washington, District of Columbia
The National Academies are committed to providing equal and non-discriminatory employment opportunities for everyone it employs and serves. The National Academies take affirmative action to ensure that employees and applicants for employment receive fair and equal consideration and treatment, regardless of race, ancestry, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition , marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, citizenship status, matriculation, unemployment status, military status veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

 

Job Summary
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree
Required Experience
2+ years
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