Associate Program Officer - Physical Sciences, Systems, and Infrastructure

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine seek an Associate Program Officer (APO) to lead assigned projects in various technical areas, including mathematics, statistics, chemistry, materials science, nuclear and radiation sciences, physics, engineering and manufacturing, energy technology and policy, defense capabilities and policies, federal infrastructure, and construction. This position is in the National Academies’ Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST) which fuels innovation across physical sciences, engineering, education, and policy to advance the nation’s future prosperity and resilience.

Our work prepares and supports the U.S. workforce to strengthen American competitiveness and security. The Associate Program Officer will work in the Physical Sciences, Systems, and Infrastructure (PSSI) program area.

The PSSI program area sets research priorities, highlights critical future directions, and develops policy innovations to advance mathematical and physical sciences, energy systems, engineering and manufacturing, infrastructure and facilities, and defense and intelligence.

The APO will lead one or more projects under general supervision from the PSSI Senior Program Director; help develop project strategies, budgets, and schedules; and ensure activities achieve their objectives. Drawing on professional knowledge of one or more areas of the mathematical and physical sciences, engineering, defense and energy policy, physical infrastructure, and related fields, the APO will address varied and moderately complex problems, exercising independent judgment on routine matters and seeking guidance on more complex issues.

The APO will communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with technical and general audiences, and collaborate with committee members, external experts, and National Academies staff to develop and prepare written products for publication. With senior staff oversight, the APO will identify and recruit experts and help assemble committees and other authoring groups. The APO will conduct background research, coordinate meetings and convenings, and may assist with concepts, prospectuses, and proposals for new projects.

The APO may also oversee assigned work and assist with the supervision of support staff and will report to a senior staff member in PSSI.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Lead assigned projects, including helping to develop strategies, budgets, schedules, and staffing plans; ensure stated objectives are achieved.
• Perform financial and administrative tasks for assigned projects; authorize expenditures, track spending, monitor budgets, and collaborate with financial staff to project future spending and ensure compliance with institutional requirements.
• Establish and follow processes and procedures that support the effective and efficient operation of assigned projects.

• With senior staff oversight, identify and recruit committee and panel nominees; support expert groups and the development of their products.
• Organize workshops and other convenings; develop agendas, invite presenters and participants, oversee logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepare summaries.
• Coordinate with committee chairs, members, consultants, sponsors, staff, and other participants and facilitate the timely flow of information.

• Support committee and roundtable members, authors, workshop participants, and other experts throughout all aspects of their work.
• Identify and gather research materials; conduct background research; synthesize and edit technical data, research, and other evidence; and manage reference checking.
• Develop written materials and coordinate or oversee their publication; write and edit background papers, technical summaries, reports, proceedings, and other expert products.
• As assigned, edit reports, facilitate response to review, respond to comments and concerns from reviewers and editors, and help prepare final manuscripts for publication.

• Contribute to communications activities for assigned projects and help publicize projects, activities, and organizational priorities.
• Participate in report dissemination, including coordinating production and preparing supporting materials.
• Help identify and engage external organizations and partners in dissemination efforts and support…