Research Associate - Food, Nutrition, and Agriculture Program

Research Associate

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.

The Research Associate will provide support to the project team for the study, "Review of the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Program Food Packages." 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.

Research

• 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.

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 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 provide guidance to junior staff.

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Master's degree in a related field preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of research methodologies, literature review techniques, and information analysis.

• Ability to analyze complex information, synthesize findings, and communicate results clearly.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and sound judgment in solving a variety of research and program-related challenges.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and standard research, database, and information management tools.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive information.

Experience

Two years of related professional experience required.

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 Senior Program Director and Senior Program Officer. Sets goals with supervisor.

Compensation & Benefits:

An estimated compensation range for this position is $58,700 - $73,370. 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. 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.

Work Environment

Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%. Occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.