Program Officer -Biomedical and Health Sciences

National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Pasadena (CA); Hybrid; USD 92,040 - 115,040; Full time

Job summary

The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine seeks a Program/Project Manager to advance REDI initiatives and build resilient data infrastructure for biomedical research. You will coordinate workshops, manage budgets, and liaise with sponsors while guiding staff and committees in a hybrid office environment.

Masters or PhD in a related field is preferred; strong communication and leadership skills are essential to develop background papers and publications.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge required.
• Ph.D. in related field preferred.
• Degree or experience in biomedical informatics, computer science, data science, information studies, data architecture, or related fields preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supports the work of the Program Area, focusing on REDI initiative; develops strategy, manages budget, ensures objectives.
• Plans and conducts large and small workshops or meetings; prepares summaries and disseminates information.
• Recruits potential committee nominees, coordinates with chair and members, and serves as liaison.
• Prepares background papers and technical summaries; assists with reports and manuscript preparation.
• Assigns tasks to staff; provides guidance and ensures policy adherence.
• Plans communications activities; creates materials and dissemination plans; manages dissemination meetings.
• Performs background research for new studies and develops proposals; identifies sponsors and funding opportunities.

Skills

Program management

Communication skills

Team leadership

Policy communication

Education

Master’s degree in a related field

Ph.D. in related field preferred

Biomedical informatics / data science related fields preferred

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Biomedical and Health Sciences Program addresses basic biomedical, translational, clinical, and health sciences research, development, and policy. It addresses workforce issues, bioethics, legal and societal contexts, and the resilience and health security of communities.

The Opportunity

Contributes to the Program’s Resilient and Enduring Data Infrastructure for Biomedical and Life Sciences Research and Innovation (REDI) initiative, which will foster action toward sustainable infrastructure for the data resources that enable biomedical research. As datasets ranging from genomics and imaging to AI-enabled analytics continue to grow in scale, complexity, and importance, REDI seeks to address the increasing challenge of ensuring these resources remain sustainable, accessible, and effective over time. In consultation with supervisor, the program officer will manage working groups of initiative members to undertake and deliver REDI products such as issue papers and discussion documents, workshops, and written proceedings addressing data lifecycle management; strategic prioritization of resources in the biomedical database landscape; and pilot design and evaluation.

COVER LETTER REQUIRED

Responsibilities

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Supports the work of the Program Area, focusing primarily on its REDI initiative. In collaboration with supervisor, develops program or project strategy, manages budget, and ensures the project meets objectives. Conducts large and small workshops and/or meetings. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares written summaries. Collaborates with experts and sponsors from federal, state, and local government agencies, foundations, schools, and other organizations. Represents the program and committee within and outside the National Academies.

COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT

Where applicable, and with senior study director oversight, recruits potential committee nominees and assembles appointment packages. Communicates and coordinates with the committee chair and members. Identifies and gathers research materials. Facilitates the flow of information among committee members, consultants, staff, and other applicable parties. Supports committee members, workshop participants, etc. in all aspects of work. Serves as staff liaison between committee members and the National Academies.

RESEARCH AND WRITING

Prepares background papers and technical summaries. Provides assistance in preparing reports, workshop summaries, or other written products. Drafts and edits materials for publication. Assists with the response to review process, responds to comments and concerns of editors, and prepares the final manuscript for publication. Related duties and special projects as assigned.

STAFF MANAGEMENT

Assigns tasks and provides guidance and feedback to staff. May manage staff with oversight by senior study director. Interprets and ensures consistent application of organizational policies.

COMMUNICATION AND DISSEMINATION

Where applicable, plans and implements extensive communications activities related to the forum. Creates and maintains materials, websites, and social media channels to provide interest groups with information generated from and for the forum. Where applicable, creates and implements dissemination plan that may include engaging external organizations, preparing dissemination materials, and conducting dissemination meetings. Assists in managing report production activities.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

With senior staff oversight, conducts background research on topics for new studies, programs, or activities. Writes prospectuses and proposals for new and continuing funding. Identifies potential sponsors. Raises funds for current and future projects. Where applicable, manages funder/member/alumni relations.

Requirements

Education

Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge required. Ph.D. in related field preferred. Degree or experience in biomedical informatics, computer science, data science, information studies, data architecture, or related fields preferred.

Experience

Three years of related professional experience. Demonstrated basic proficiency in conveying scientific, technical, or policy information in verbal and written form. Familiarity with one or more areas relevant to REDI, including biomedical research data infrastructure, stewardship, and governance; biodata repository operations; scientific computing; open science; or data ecosystem development preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Advanced knowledge of scientific, technical, or policy issues in a related discipline. Strong program or project management skills. Ability to solve intellectual problems that are varied and complex using originality and ingenuity. Ability to operate using appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Ability to manage and develop projects. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers, employees in other National Academies departments, and external constituents through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and constituents. Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams.

Job Specifications

Supervises staff with minimal oversight by director or senior program officer. Work environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute with approx. 60% onsite and occasional travel between National Academies facilities and off‑site meeting locations.

Compensation and Benefits

Estimated compensation range: $92,040 – $115,040. Compensation will be based on relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience and subject to budget parameters. This is a benefits‑eligible position. Benefit options include medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; disability coverage; retirement and savings benefits; leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave; transportation subsidies; and education assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The National Academies is committed to recruiting, hiring, transferring, compensating, and promoting people in all job categories without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. The institution also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans. All qualifications considered equivalent to stated minimum must receive prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.