Skip to main content

This job has expired

Research Associate - Board on Environmental Change and Society

Employer
The National Academies
Location
Mitch, Louisiana, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Feb 1, 2022

View more

Sector
Academic / Research
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Other
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
Job Description Summary: 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' 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. 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: Please note a cover letter is required to be considered for this requisition ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. 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. 7. Prepares the report for review and assists with review response. Ensures edits are included in the report. Creates bibliographies, graphics, and tables for reports. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. Serves as a mentor and/or resource to employees. May be responsible for training and supervising junior staff. 11. May assist senior staff in researching and identifying potential speakers and committee and forum members. 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. Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment with the ability to work remotely up to 50% of the time, with occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations. In accordance with the National Academies' commitment to provide a safe and healthy workplace, all employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except as otherwise permitted under a reasonable accommodation for medical or religious reasons. Unless granted an accommodation, successful applicants will be required to confirm their vaccination status and proof of vaccination promptly upon beginning employment. Applicants needing accommodations should indicate this in their application; applicants will not be discriminated against in the hiring process on the basis of requesting an accommodation. 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. 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. Employee Type: Employee Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5 City/State: Washington, District of Columbia

#06022021

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert