Research Associate - Committee on Human Rights

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine•Town of Johnstown, NY

39d•$58,700 - $73,370•Hybrid

About The Position

The Committee on Human Rights (CHR) is a standing membership committee of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Academy of Medicine. The CHR advocates for professional colleagues subjected to violations of international human rights law and raises awareness of the connections between human rights and science, engineering, and medicine. This role involves developing pertinent background research to support a greater understanding of conditions, issues, and trends impacting assigned programs, projects, subjects, and topics. The position requires performing research and analysis, drafting background papers, and preparing preliminary outlines of projects to determine appropriate methodology. This may include developing a historical perspective, identifying prevailing social and economic conditions and international involvement in issues, and assessing future trends and implications. The role also involves documenting and establishing files on analyses performed, preparing data for use in summaries, fact sheets, and reports, and editing report material developed by committee members, senior staff, and consultants. Additionally, the position requires managing related databases, responding to inquiries about program activities, and supporting increased public awareness of these activities. Administrative duties related to programs and projects may also be required. The role applies general professional-level knowledge and principles of research, requiring the identification and analysis of various factors and the use of independent judgment and discretion to recommend the best course of action. The individual will proceed on their own initiative in compliance with established policies, procedures, and practices, seeking guidance or expertise from a supervisor or higher-level staff when needed. There is a possibility of leading and/or supervising lower-level support employees.

Requirements

Ability to solve intellectual problems of appreciable variety and complexity using originality and ingenuity.
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.
Excellent written and verbal skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.
Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge.
Two years of related professional experience.
Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.
Ability to travel.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

Prepares preliminary outlines of projects to determine appropriate methodology.
Performs research and analysis, analyzing and organizing technical data and reports and compiling summaries of information.
Analyzes data developed and prepares written interpretations.
Synthesizes data for specific sections of reports or other types of output.
May perform basic research and analysis.
Prepares and formats various survey instruments and databases to accept specified information.
Verifies references and checks facts of committee reports.
Writes technical papers or summaries.
Abstracts information from reports, expert assessments, and other source materials to create overviews for committee review or use in committee reports.
Drafts, summarizes, and edits findings and provides feedback to appropriate parties.
Prepares program materials for review and dissemination and assists with review response.
Ensures edits are included in program materials.
Creates bibliographies, graphics, and tables for program materials.
Manages and maintains bibliographic and analytical databases, including databases used to track references.
Documents and establishes files on analyses performed, indicating methodology, variations in manipulation of data, and resource materials used.
May ensure Governing Board Executive Committee (GBEC) compliance.
Ensures Current Projects System (CPS) is posted and updated in a timely manner, the Public Access File is maintained, and documents are properly archived.
Conducts discussions with various officials, academics, allied groups, and staff.
Participates in selecting literature for committee members, forum and workshop participants, and other applicable groups to receive through mailings, briefing books, and meetings.
Attends meetings to present and receive feedback regarding study area and prepares meeting summaries.
Participates in the planning and execution of committee meetings and performs other tasks associated with preparing for committee meetings and workshops.
Corresponds with committee members.
May assist senior staff in researching and identifying potential speakers and committee and forum members.
Responds to inquiries from the public sector, sponsors, and other scientific peers outside of the National Academies.
Increases public awareness of programmatic work.
Identifies and contacts professional and advocacy groups interested in the committee's work.
Serves as a mentor and/or resource to employees.
May be responsible for training and supervising junior staff.
Related duties and special projects as assigned.