Research Associate - Gulf Research Program
Washington, DC
| Employer: | The National Academy of Sciences |
| Category: | Research |
| Job Type: | Full Time |
Description | |
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Job Description Summary: THE PROGRAM UNIT In 2013, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine established the Gulf Research Program (GRP) to enhance oil system safety and the protection of human health and the environment in the Gulf of Mexico and other U.S. outer continental shelf areas. The Gulf Research Program seeks to improve understanding of the region's interconnecting human, environmental, and energy systems and fostering application of these insights to benefit communities and ecosystems of the Gulf. This position is with the Grants Enterprise Management unit, which supports data management for GRP grantees, internal operations around GRP funding opportunities such as grants management and program evaluation, and collaborative projects across all GRP program areas. THE OPPORTUNITY The Gulf Research Program seeks a Research Associate (RA) to join the GRP's Grants Enterprise Management unit. The RA will work with the Data and Evaluation unit on centralized grants management, data governance, and program evaluation, as well as assisting with a collaborative portfolio of grants and fellowship activities. The RA will work with GRP staff on a range of activities including managing the mechanics of grant applications and review using appropriate software; tracking and assisting with review of grantee data management activities; assisting with tracking, cleaning, managing, and visualizing GRP programmatic and evaluation data; drafting and editing written materials for internal and external audiences; contributing to planning and implementation of meetings and events; administrative duties related to programs/projects; and responding to inquiries from internal and external sources. The RA will receive guidance and expertise from a supervisor or higher-level staff member when needed and will report to Program Officer / Senior Program Officer. The successful applicant will be involved in ongoing data management and program evaluation, as well as the development of new projects and grant opportunities. There will be opportunities to engage with the broader Gulf of Mexico science and policy stakeholder community, while building skills in data governance, project management, and grants administration. Job Description: RESPONSIBILITIES PROGRAM MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT Assists with internal evaluation of grants management tools and process; contributes to written guidance documents for grants management. Builds and contributes to programmatic data reports for internal and external audiences. Assists with the development of program monitoring and evaluation plans. Develops, manages, and/or works with various databases; assists with quality assurance / quality control implementation and management for GRP-wide programs tracking. GRANTS MANAGEMENT Builds grant applications, review forms, and report forms from pre-existing templates; assists with assessment and updates to grantee reporting forms. Corresponds with applicants and grantees. Reviews and evaluates data management plans from funding applicants. Monitors grantee compliance with data management timelines. Contributes to written guidance documents on grants and data management for internal and external audiences. EVALUATION AND DATA ANALYSIS Produces presentations, briefings, and reports on outcomes and impacts of the GRP portfolio. Contributes to technical papers or summaries including process assessments, evaluation reports, case studies, and briefings. Creates data visualizations for use in presentations and reports to internal and external audiences. REQUIREMENTS **A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION. EDUCATION Bachelor's degree in a STEM-related or social science field, with preferences given to environmental science, data science, and evaluation. Master's degree in a related field preferred. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Excellent technology skills, including experience with basic Microsoft Office software, and the ability to learn new software programs with minimal oversight. Some experience with database, data analysis, CRM, geospatial, or data visualization software is required. Some experience building pivot tables is preferred. Ability to creatively and collaboratively solve problems of appreciable variety and complexity. Excellent attention to detail, time management skills, and organizational skills. Excellent communication skills, including technical writing, written business communication, and in-person meeting support. 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. Proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees. EXPERIENCE Two years of related professional experience. 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 program officer/director. Sets goals with supervisor. COMPENSATION The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine support equity, fairness, and transparency in our compensation programs. An estimated compensation range for this position is $56,410 - $70,510. 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. WORK ENVIRONMENT Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment. Incumbent is expected to work onsite 20% of the time. Occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations. The National Academies' Statement on Diversity and Inclusion: We, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies), value diversity among our staff, members, volunteers, partners, vendors, and audiences. We recognize that talent is broadly distributed in society and that many perspectives enhance the quality of our work and drive innovation and impact. We pledge to cultivate a workplace culture and climate that promotes inclusion, belonging, accessibility, and anti-racism; upholds equity; and values the participation of all who are engaged in advancing our mission. By embracing the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our programs, institutional policies and practices, and products, we will be able to better advise the nation on the most complex issues facing society and the world. 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. 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 | |