In 2013, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine established the Gulf Research Program (GRP) to enhance oil system safety and the protection of human health and the environment in the Gulf of Mexico and other U.S. outer continental shelf areas. The Gulf Research Program seeks to improve understanding of the region’s interconnecting human, environmental, and energy systems and fostering application of these insights to benefit communities and ecosystems of the Gulf.

This position is with the GRP’s Gulf Environmental Protection and Stewardship Board (GEPS), which strives to protect and enhance the socio-ecological systems of the Gulf region as climate changes and the Gulf energy sector shifts to decarbonized energy sources.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Gulf Research Program seeks a Research Associate (RA) to join the GRP’s Gulf Environmental Protection and Stewardship program unit. The RA will work on the program’s existing and developing portfolio of grants, consensus studies, workshops, and other activities. The RA will work with GRP program staff on a range of activities, including providing background research on environmental and Gulf-related topics; drafting and editing written materials for internal and external audiences; contributing to planning and implementation of meetings and events; administrative duties related to programs/projects; and responding to inquiries from internal and external sources. The RA will receive guidance and expertise from a supervisor or higher-level staff member when needed and will report to Program Officer / Senior Program Manager.

The successful applicant will be involved in the development of new grant opportunities as well as the Mississippi River Delta Transition Initiative, a new, interdisciplinary project focusing on the future of the Mississippi Delta and how that knowledge can be applied. There will be opportunities to engage with the broader Gulf of Mexico restoration and research community while building skills in project management and grants administration.

RESPONSIBILITIES

RESEARCH AND WRITING

Provides background research on environmental and Gulf-related topics; drafts and edits written materials for internal and external audiences.  Reads, analyzes, and evaluates data and literature and compiles summaries of information. May perform basic statistical research and analysis.

PROGRAM/PROJECT ACTIVITIES

Attends meetings, workshops, and other events with external volunteers to present and receive feedback; prepares meeting summaries. Performs administrative tasks such as corresponding with external volunteers, participating in the planning and execution of meetings, and other tasks associated with preparing for meetings and workshops. May assist senior staff in researching and identifying potential speakers and committee members. Prepares preliminary work plans for projects to determine appropriate approach and implementation.

SUPPORT GRANT MAKING PROJECTS

May edit application and review forms and other materials, identify potential reviewers, conduct compliance reviews, provide meeting administrative support, and respond to grantee inquiries.

DATABASE MANAGEMENT

Develops, manages, and/or works with various databases, including reference databases.

LITERATURE REVIEWS

Conducts literature reviews independently and reporting on findings internally. This may involve verifying references, checking facts, and writing and organizing reports and summaries of technical information.

REQUIREMENTS

**A COVER LETTER IS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge. Master's degree in a related field preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

General knowledge of coastal and environmental issues. Ability to creatively and collaboratively solve problems of appreciable variety and complexity. Excellent attention to detail, time management skills, and organizational skills. Excellent communication skills, including technical writing, written business communication, and in-person meeting support.  Ability to exercise appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication. Proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.

EXPERIENCE

Two years of related professional experience. Experience with U.S. Gulf of Mexico environmental research and policy.

COMMUNICATION AND TEAMWORK

Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication.

SUPERVISION

Reports to program officer/director. Sets goals with supervisor.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment. Incumbent is expected to work onsite 40% of the time for the first several months. Occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.

COMPENSATION

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine support equity, fairness, and transparency in our compensation programs. An estimated compensation range for this position is $58,000 - $65,000. 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. 

The National Academies’ Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:

To promote diversity and inclusion in the sciences, engineering, and medicine, we are committed to increasing the diversity of the National Academies’ staff, members, and volunteers to reflect the populations we serve. We pledge to cultivate an environment and culture that promotes inclusion and values respectful participation of all individuals who help advance the mission of the institution.

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 is consistent with equal employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of  race, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, medical condition for which a person has been rehabilitated or cured, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, matriculation, unemployment status, 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.