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 provide support to the project team for the study of the food packages of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The WIC food packages, previously reviewed by the National Academies in 2017 and 2006, are nutritious supplemental foods provided to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, infants, and children up to five years of age who are at nutritional risk.

The review of the food package involves assessing the nutritional needs of the WIC-eligible population and making evidence-based, practical, and economical recommendations for changes in the current set of foods in the packages that reflect current nutritional science and allow the program to effectively meet the nutritional and cultural needs of the WIC population.

The Research Associate will also support other activities within the Food, Nutrition, and Agriculture program portfolio.

The Research Associate supports the projects 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.

*** PLEASE NOTE A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION****

• Conducts research and analysis to support the WIC and other projects.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• As appropriate responds to inquiries from sponsors, scientific communities, stakeholders, and the public regarding assigned projects.
• Supports outreach efforts that increase awareness of committee studies and activities.
• Develops and maintains productive working relationships with professional organizations, advocacy groups, and subject matter experts.
• Shares knowledge and serves as a resource to colleagues. May mentor or…