Research Associate Board on Science Education

Job Description Summary:

THE BOARD
Established in 2004, the Board on Science Education at the National Academies focuses on science (and STEM) learning and education for all, from early childhood to adulthood, in both schools and informal learning environments, such as science museums, aquariums, nature centers, and social networks. BOSE investigates how science/STEM is learned and taught, from individual self-directed learning and the teaching-learning exchange in a classroom or at the dinner table to the effectiveness of schools or entire federal education programs. Providing equitable learning experiences in STEM is a strong theme in the board’s portfolio. BOSE reports have influenced federal legislation, provided guidance to federal agencies involved in STEM education, and shaped funding programs at the National Science Foundation and the Department of Education. Through the board’s particular attention to broad dissemination and stakeholder engagement, its reports have had considerable influence on professional communities in K-12 formal education, higher education, and informal science settings.

THE OPPORTUNITY
Work closely with Academies staff and outside experts on key issues in STEM education. Develop pertinent background research which contributes to a greater understanding of conditions, issues and trends impacting assigned program(s) or project(s), subjects and topics. Draft background papers. Perform research and analysis. Prepare data for use in summaries, fact sheets, and reports. Edit report material developed by committee members, senior staff, and consultants. Manage related databases, including reference databases. May assist with administrative duties related to programs/projects.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
1. Develops information sources. Reads, analyzes, and evaluates data and literature. Prepares preliminary outlines of projects to determine appropriate methodology. Conducts discussions with various officials, academics, allied groups and staff. Analyzes data developed and prepares written interpretations. Synthesizes data for specific sections of the report or other types of output. Verifies references and checks facts of committee reports.
2. Performs research and analysis, analyzing and organizing technical data and reports and compiling summaries of information. May perform basic statistical research and analysis. Prepares and formats various survey instruments and databases to accept specified information.
3. Manages database to track references. Manages and maintains bibliographic and analytical databases. Documents and establishes files on all statistical analyses performed indicating methodology, variations in manipulation of data and resource materials used.
4. Writes technical papers or summaries. Abstracts information from scientific studies to create tables for committee review or use in committee reports. Drafts, summarizes, and edits findings and provides feedback to appropriate parties.
5. May ensure Federal Advisory Committee Act, (FACA) and 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.
6. 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.
7. Prepares the report for review and assists with review response. Ensures edits are included in the report. Creates bibliographies, graphics, and tables for reports.

8. Responds to inquiries from the public sector, sponsors and other scientific peers outside of the National Academies. Increases public awareness of studies. Identifies and contacts professional and advocacy groups interested in the committee's work.

9. Performs administrative tasks such as corresponding with committee members, participating in the planning and execution of committee meetings, and other tasks associated with preparing for committee meetings and workshops.

10. Serves as a mentor and/or resource to employees. May be responsible for training and supervising junior staff.

11. May assist senior staff in researching and identifying potential speakers and committee and forum members.

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 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 or Master's Degree.
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.
Work Environment: Hybrid works schedule, 40% onsite. Office environment, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and off-site meeting/sponsor locations.

Compensation Range: 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 $54,240 - $74,575. 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. 

The National Academies’ Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:

To promote diversity and inclusion in the sciences, engineering, and medicine, we are committed to increasing the diversity of the National Academies’ staff, members, and volunteers to reflect the populations we serve. We pledge to cultivate an environment and culture that promotes inclusion and values respectful participation of all individuals who help advance the mission of the institution.

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.