Description

ABOUT THE BOARD ON LIFE SCIENCES
The Board on Life Sciences serves as the National Academies’ hub for addressing critical emerging policy and technical issues associated with life science research and applications. The Board engages experts across a variety of scientific and technological disciplines, sectors, organizations, and countries in order to incorporate diverse perspectives on committees and expert panels.

The Board's work encompasses fundamental, foundational, emerging, and applied life science research; multi, inter, and trans-disciplinary life and associated sciences; biotechnology and the bioeconomy; biological data sharing and analysis; environmental health and one health; biodiversity; international bioengagement; and biosecurity and defense.

ABOUT THE POSITION
Under general supervision, leads one or more of the organization’s programs or projects. Conducts research and prepares research papers and/or summaries. Tracks relevant issues and compiles reports. Coordinates program or project activities, handling inquiries, organizing meetings and workshops, and developing materials. Supervises or assists with the supervision of support staff. Ensures the program or project meets its stated objectives. May assist senior staff in the development of programs/projects, including developing prospectuses and raising funds.

Applies specific professional-level knowledge to solve problems requiring the identification and analysis of moderately complex variables. Incumbent takes action to solve routine problems in areas of assigned responsibility, but receives guidance or expertise from higher-level staff on more complex problems. Incumbent establishes processes and procedures to ensure the effective and efficient operation of program/project. Typically assist with supervision of staff, but certain positions may have full supervisory responsibilities for assigned staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
1. Leads assigned program(s) or project(s). Where applicable and with senior staff oversight, recruits potential committee/panel nominees. Communicates with and facilitates the flow of information among chair, members, consultants, program or project sponsors, and staff. Prepares reports on program or project activities.
2. 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.
3. Organizes meetings. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares written summaries.
4. 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.
5. Assists with supervising and mentoring staff. Assigns tasks and provides guidance and feedback to staff. Ensures required training is accomplished and participates in performance reviews. Serves as a resource to support staff.
6. Performs financial and administrative tasks related to assigned program(s) or project(s). Creates, maintains, and updates records, databases, and files. Authorizes expenditures, tracks spending, monitors budget, and projects future spending plans.
7. Represents the program/project within and outside the National Academies. Collaborates with experts and sponsors from government agencies, foundations, schools, and other organizations.
8. May assist in raising funds for current and future projects by conducting research on topics for new studies, 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.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of issues in applicable discipline. Ability to solve varied and complex problems using originality and ingenuity. Ability to operate using appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. 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. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.
Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge.
Minimum Experience: Three years of related professional experience.
Preferred Education and Experience: Advanced degree in a related field.
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 program officer or director. Sets objectives with supervisor and receives input and advice as needed. Assists in the supervision of project/program staff.
Work Environment: Office environment, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.

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.

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.