Research Associate-Biomedical and Health Sciences Program

Introduction

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine value diversity in our members, volunteers, and staff and strive for a culture of inclusion in our workplace and activities. Convening a diverse community to exchange ideas and perspectives enhances the quality of our work and increases our relevance as advisers to the nation about the most complex issues facing the nation and the world.

Requisition Number: R0002767

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.

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…