Research Associate - Physical Sciences, Systems and Infrastructure

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid holidays and personal leave

Transportation subsidies

Job summary

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is seeking a Research Associate for the PSSI program to develop background research, perform analyses, and draft papers to support studies across energy systems, infrastructure, and manufacturing. The role involves synthesizing data, preparing program materials, and contributing to committee outputs and public awareness.

Responsibilities include preparing outlines, managing references, and editing materials for reports and meetings,

Qualifications

• Ability to solve intellectual problems of appreciable variety and complexity.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact at all levels.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and develop relationships across departments.

Responsibilities

• Research, analysis, and methodology to support program studies.
• Prepare outlines for projects and determine appropriate methodologies.
• Draft technical papers, summaries, and program materials for review.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Independent judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master’s degree in a related field

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Physical Sciences, Systems, and Infrastructure (PSSI) program area brings together leading experts from academia, government, and industry to provide independent and forward-thinking advice to support technology development and identify critical future research directions across the mathematical and physical sciences and engineering. Our work shapes policy and guides decision making on topics such as the future of U.S. energy systems, infrastructure needs, smart manufacturing, military force modernization, mission-focused Service systems integration, and defense applications for emerging technologies.

Job Description Summary

The Physical Sciences, Systems, and Infrastructure (PSSI) program area brings together leading experts from academia, government, and industry to provide independent and forward-thinking advice to support technology development and identify critical future research directions across the mathematical and physical sciences and engineering. Our work shapes policy and guides decision making on topics such as the future of U.S. energy systems, infrastructure needs, smart manufacturing, military force modernization, mission-focused Service systems integration, and defense applications for emerging technologies.

Our landmark studies explore the opportunities and challenges at the frontiers of technology innovation — from digital twins to advanced nuclear reactors — and provide actionable advice on ways to harness these new advances for the benefit of the nation. Our workshops and roundtables offer unparalleled forums to discuss complex and timely issues as they arise with experts from across disciplines and perspectives.

The Research Associate for PSSI, 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

• Research, Analysis, and Methodology
• Prepares 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.
• Technical Writing, Reports, and Program Materials
• Writes 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.
• Data, References, and Records Management
• Manages 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 Project Approval Committee (GBPAC) compliance.
• Ensures National Academies Projects & Activities Repository (NAPAR) is posted and updated in a timely manner, the Public Access File is maintained, and documents are properly archived.
• Committee, Meeting, and Workshop Support
• Conducts 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.
• External Relations and Public Awareness
• Responds 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.
• Staff Support, Training, and Supervision
• Serves as a mentor and/or resource to employees.
• May be responsible for training and supervising junior staff.

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.

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
• education assistance.

For more information, please click here.

Work Environment

Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off‑site meeting/sponsor locations.

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 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, 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