Associate Program Officer - Biomedical and Health Sciences Program

Job Description Summary:

The Program on Biomedical and Health Sciences (BHS) oversees basic biomedical, translational, clinical, and health sciences research, development, and policy. Addresses workforce issues, bioethics, legal and societal contexts, and the resilience and health security of communities.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Associate Program Officer performs a variety of programmatic, project management, and research tasks to support a range of activities within Biomedical and Health Sciences (BHS), including initiatives focused on neuroscience, brain health, traumatic brain injury, cognitive aging, research infrastructure, and the broader factors influencing health and well-being.

Provides research and project management support for the planning, implementation, follow-up, and dissemination of workshops, forums, and other convening activities aimed at advancing scientific understanding, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and informing research, policy, and practice. Supports stakeholder engagement activities involving researchers, policymakers, practitioners, individuals with lived experience, and other relevant communities. Conducts background research, synthesizes scientific and policy literature, and develops materials to inform planning committee deliberations and project activities.

** Cover Letter Required **

Job Description:

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Under general supervision, leads one or more of the organization’s programs or projects and ensures the program or project meets its stated objectives. Coordinates program or project activities, handling inquiries, organizing hybrid meetings and workshops, and developing materials. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares written summaries. Collaborates with experts and sponsors from government agencies, foundations, schools, and other organizations. May perform financial and administrative tasks related to assigned programs or projects. Represents the program/project within and outside the National Academies.

COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT

Where applicable and with senior staff oversight, recruits potential planning committee/panel nominees. Communicates with and facilitates the flow of information among chairs, members, consultants, program or project sponsors, and staff. Prepares reports on program or project activities.

RESEARCH AND WRITING

Identifies and gathers research materials. Conducts background research. Synthesizes and edits research findings and technical data. Determines relevance of data and prepares background papers and technical summaries.

Manages reference checking. Develops written materials and coordinates/oversees publication of materials. May edit reports, facilitate response to review, and participate in dissemination activities, including identification and engaging of external organizations, preparing dissemination materials, and conducting dissemination meetings. Related duties and specific projects as assigned.

STAFF MANAGEMENT

May assist with supervising and mentoring staff. Assigns tasks and provides guidance and feedback to staff. Serves as a resource to staff.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

May assist senior staff in the development of programs/projects. May assist in raising funds for current and future projects by conducting research on topics for new studies, developing prospectuses and writing proposals, and identifying potential sponsors. Where applicable, participates in managing funder/member/alumni relations.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of scientific, technical, policy, or public health issues relevant to neuroscience, brain health, neurological disorders, traumatic brain injury, cognitive aging, research infrastructure, or related disciplines.
• Strong project coordination and organizational skills, including the ability to manage assigned activities, schedules, stakeholders, and deliverables.
• Ability to evaluate and synthesize scientific and technical information and communicate findings clearly in written and verbal form.
• Ability to plan and coordinate engagement activities involving individuals and communities with diverse experiences and perspectives, including individuals living with central nervous system disorders.
• Ability to identify and resolve varied project issues, exercise sound judgment, and work with appropriate independence within established project objectives, institutional policies, and senior staff guidance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing project needs, and maintain attention to quality, accuracy, and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build productive working relationships with colleagues, experts, sponsors, community stakeholders, and other internal and external partners.
• Ability to contribute effectively in collaborative and multidisciplinary environments and provide guidance and feedback to staff when assigned coordination or mentoring responsibilities.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge.

Minimum Experience: Three years of related professional experience.

Preferred Education: Graduate degree in a related field preferred.

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 director. Sets objectives with supervisor and receives input and advice as needed. Assists in the supervision of project/program staff.

Work Environment: Hybrid work environment; 60% onsite required. Occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.

Compensation & Benefits: An estimated compensation range for this position is $73,760 - $92,190. 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. This is a benefits-eligible position. Our Benefits Plan offers competitive and comprehensive benefit options, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement and savings benefits, leave benefits such as paid holidays and paid personal leave, transportation subsidies, and education assistance. For more information, please click here.

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 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, 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.

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