Research Associate - Committee on Human Rights

National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in Washington, DC is seeking a professional to conduct research, analyze data, and prepare background papers and program materials. The role involves drafting outlines, editing reports, and managing bibliographic databases while supporting external relations and public awareness efforts.

The position emphasizes independent judgment, collaboration across offices, and strong communication skills; hybrid work with onsite presence is expected.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Excellent written and verbal skills with a proven ability to interact with all levels of employees.

Responsibilities

• Performs research and analysis, and drafts background papers.
• Prepares preliminary outlines of projects and determines methodology.
• Writes and edits program materials, reports, and summaries.
• Manages bibliographic and analytical databases and documents analyses.
• Creates bibliographies, graphics, and tables for program materials.
• Supports external relations and public awareness activities.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Editorial writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree in a related field

Job description

Job Description Summary:The Committee on Human Rights (CHR) is a standing membership committee of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Academy of Medicine. The CHR advocates for professional colleagues subjected to violations of international human rights law and raises awareness of the connections between human rights and science, engineering, and medicine.Develops pertinent background research to support a greater understanding of conditions, issues, and trends impacting assigned programs, projects, subjects, and topics. Performs research and analysis and drafts background papers. Prepares preliminary outlines of projects to determine appropriate methodology, which may include developing a historical perspective; identifying prevailing social and economic conditions and international involvement in issues; and assessing future trends and implications.Documents and establishes files on analyses performed and prepares data for use in summaries, fact sheets, and reports. Edits report material developed by committee members, senior staff, and consultants. Manages related databases, including reference databases. Responds to inquiries about program activities and supports increased public awareness of these activities. May assist with administrative duties related to programs and projects.Applying general professional-level knowledge and principles of research, performs duties requiring the identification and analysis of various factors and the use of independent judgment and discretion to recommend the best course of action. Proceeds on own initiative in compliance with established policies, procedures, and practices, seeking guidance or expertise from a supervisor or higher-level staff when needed. May lead and/or supervise lower-level support employees.Job Description:ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:1. Research, Analysis, and MethodologyPrepares preliminary outlines of projects to determine appropriate methodology.Performs research and analysis, analyzing and organizing technical data and reports and compiling summaries of information.Analyzes data developed and prepares written interpretations.Synthesizes data for specific sections of reports or other types of output.May perform basic research and analysis.Prepares and formats various survey instruments and databases to accept specified information.Verifies references and checks facts of committee reports.2. Technical Writing, Reports, and Program MaterialsWrites technical papers or summaries.Abstracts information from reports, expert assessments, and other source materials to create overviews for committee review or use in committee reports.Drafts, summarizes, and edits findings and provides feedback to appropriate parties.Prepares program materials for review and dissemination and assists with review response.Ensures edits are included in program materials.Creates bibliographies, graphics, and tables for program materials.3. Data, References, and Records ManagementManages and maintains bibliographic and analytical databases, including databases used to track references.Documents and establishes files on analyses performed, indicating methodology, variations in manipulation of data, and resource materials used.May ensure 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.4. Committee, Meeting, and Workshop SupportConducts discussions with various officials, academics, allied groups, and staff.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.Participates in the planning and execution of committee meetings and performs other tasks associated with preparing for committee meetings and workshops.Corresponds with committee members.May assist senior staff in researching and identifying potential speakers and committee and forum members.5. External Relations and Public AwarenessResponds to inquiries from the public sector, sponsors, and other scientific peers outside of the National Academies.Increases public awareness of programmatic work.Identifies and contacts professional and advocacy groups interested in the committee's work.6. Staff Support, Training, and SupervisionServes as a mentor and/or resource to employees.May be responsible for training and supervising junior staff. NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIESRelated duties and special projects as assigned.JOB SPECIFICATIONSRequired 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 written and verbal 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 senior program officer. Sets objectives with supervisor.Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.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. For more information, please click here.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:PROGEmployee Type:EmployeeScheduled Weekly Hours:37.5City/State:Washington, District of Columbia