Research Associate-Biomedical and Health Sciences Program

National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; United States; Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Academies invites applications for a Research Associate to support the Biomedical and Health Sciences program area. The role focuses on medical and public health preparedness, epidemiology, and health security through rigorous research, analysis, and writing.

You will develop background materials, perform literature reviews, and help coordinate meetings and projects. Two years of experience and a Bachelor's degree are required, with a Master’s preferred.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of research methodologies and literature review techniques.
• Ability to analyze complex information and communicate results clearly.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis to support studies and projects.
• Identifies, evaluates, and synthesizes information from scientific literature, data sources, and other relevant materials.
• Develops research methodologies and prepares project outlines.
• Summarizes findings for reports, fact sheets, presentations, and other project deliverables.
• Verifies references and validates factual content in reports and supporting materials.
• Maintains bibliographic, analytical, and reference databases.
• Prepares agendas, briefing materials, meeting summaries, and other technical documents; coordinates meeting logistics and speaker communications.
• Documents key discussions and action items; assists with meeting proceedings and other project deliverables.
• Maintains project databases and records in accordance with procedures.
• Supports compliance with policies including FACA and GBPAC processes.
• Drafts, edits, and summarizes technical materials, reports, and background papers.
• Prepares tables and summaries from scientific literature and research findings for committee review.
• Reviews and edits materials prepared by committee members and senior staff.
• Incorporates feedback and revises documents to support high-quality publications.
• Maintains bibliographic, analytical, and reference databases.
• Documents methodologies, statistical analyses, data sources, and supporting materials.
• Develops and maintains files related to project analyses and research activities.

Skills

Research methodologies

Literature review

Data analysis

Technical writing

Communication skills

Organization

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description Summary:

THE PROGRAM The Biomedical and Health Sciences (BHS) program area convenes leading scientists, clinicians, ethicists, and policymakers to provide independent advice on the research and policies that shape public health and biomedical innovation. Our work spans the full continuum — from discovery to application — connecting fundamental research to population-level health and well-being. Our studies and workshops advance progress in biomedical and translational research, public health preparedness, and workforce sustainability. We explore the ethical and legal implications of emerging technologies, inform decision making on global health priorities, and provide guidance on health security and radiation protection.

THE OPPORTUNITY The Research Associate will support a portfolio of activities focused on medical and public health preparedness, epidemiology, and broader health security challenges. The Research Associate supports the development of high-quality studies, projects, and convening activities through research, analysis, technical writing, program coordination, and meeting-related activities. This role develops background research that advances understanding of assigned programs, projects, and emerging issues. Responsibilities include managing literature reviews and reference libraries, analyzing data, preparing background materials and reports, fact checking, and supporting committee activities. The Research Associate identifies relevant scientific, social, economic, legislative, and regulatory considerations and helps ensure reports, publications, and other project deliverables are accurate, timely, and well documented. The position may also provide guidance and support to junior staff on assigned activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

RESEARCH

• Conducts research and analysis to support studies and projects.
• Identifies, evaluates, and synthesizes information from scientific literature, data sources, and other relevant materials.
• Develops research methodologies and prepares BHS project outlines.
• Summarizes findings for reports, fact sheets, presentations, and other project deliverables.
• Verifies references and validates factual content in reports and supporting materials.
• Performs targeted literature searches and manages systematic literature searches and reference libraries
• As appropriate, may conduct basic statistical analyses.

PROGRAM/PROJECT/CONVENING ACTIVITIES

• Works closely with senior staff, volunteer experts, sponsors, and external stakeholders to help ensure the successful execution of projects and convening activities, including expert workshops, committee meetings, webinars, and working groups from planning through dissemination.
• Prepares agendas, briefing materials, meeting summaries, and other technical documents; coordinates meeting logistics and speaker communications.
• Documents key discussions and action items; and assists with the development of meeting proceedings and other project deliverables.
• Maintains National Academies’ project databases, public access files, and project records in accordance with established procedures.
• Supports compliance with applicable policies and requirements, including the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and Governing Board Project Approval Committee (GBPAC) processes, when applicable.

WRITING

• Drafts, edits, and summarizes technical materials, reports, and background papers.
• Prepares tables and summaries from scientific literature and research findings for committee review.
• Reviews and edits materials prepared by committee members, consultants, and senior staff to ensure accuracy, consistency, and clarity.
• Incorporates feedback and revises documents to support high-quality publications and project deliverables.

DATABASE MANAGEMENT

• Maintains bibliographic, analytical, and reference databases.
• Documents methodologies, statistical analyses, data sources, and supporting materials.
• Develops and maintains files related to project analyses and research activities.
• Prepares and formats databases to support data collection and reporting.
• May serve as administrator to MS Teams spaces.

COMMUNICATION

• As appropriate responds to inquiries from sponsors, scientific communities, stakeholders, and the public regarding assigned projects.
• Supports outreach efforts that increase awareness of committee studies and activities.
• Develops and maintains productive working relationships with professional organizations, advocacy groups, and subject matter experts.
• Shares knowledge and serves as a resource to colleagues.
• May mentor or provide guidance to junior staff.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Master's degree in a related field preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of research methodologies, literature review techniques, and information analysis.
• Ability to analyze complex information, synthesize findings, and communicate results clearly.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and sound judgment in solving a variety of research and program-related challenges.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and standard research, database, and information management tools.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive information.

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 Senior Program Director and Senior Program Officers. Sets goals with supervisor.

COMPENSATION & Benefits:

An estimated compensation range for this position is $58,700 - $73,370. 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. This is a benefits-eligible position.

Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%. Occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations. 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 skill required. 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

Welcome! The National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Academy of Medicine work together as the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering,and Medicine to provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conduct other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding in matters of science, engineering, and medicine. View our Publications: The National Academies Press

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.