Research Associate - Food, Nutrition, and Agriculture Program

Job Description

Summary:

ABOUT THE PROGRAM The Food, Nutrition, and Agriculture program area convenes experts and leaders in food science, food safety, and food quality; nutrition and health; agricultural sciences and natural resources management to provide independent and cross-sector guidance to address a range of challenges in the food and agricultural system.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY The Research Associate will support a team working on the project,  An Update of the Macronutrient Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) , last revised in 2005. The DRIs are quantitative nutrient reference values used to inform U.S. and Canadian food and nutrition programs, policies, regulations, and professional practice and are widely recognized as authoritative guidance on nutrient requirements and intake levels that support health and reduce chronic disease risk.

The Research Associate supports the project through research, analysis, technical writing, program coordination, and meeting-related activities. Responsibilities include managing literature reviews and reference libraries, analyzing data, developing background research, preparing background materials and reports, fact checking, and supporting committee activities.

Job Description:

*** PLEASE NOTE A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION
**** RESPONSIBILITIESRESEARCHConducts research and analysis to support the DRIs project.

Identifies, evaluates, and synthesizes information from scientific literature, data sources, and other relevant materials.

Develops research methodologies and prepares 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.

PROJECT AND MEETING 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 MANAGEMENT Maintains bibliographic, analytical, and reference databases.

Documents methodologies, statistical analyses, data sources, and supporting materials.

Develops and maintains files related to project analyses and research activities.

Prepares and formats databases to support data collection and reporting.

COMMUNICATION As appropriate responds to inquiries from sponsors, scientific communities, stakeholders, and the public regarding assigned projects.

Supports outreach efforts that increase…