Research Assistant, Food and Nutrition Board
Location: Corporate Headquarters - DC
Department: Institute of Medicine
Job Req #: 150021-8
Basic Requirements: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent knowledge with four years of related experience. Bachelor's degree in the biological sciences, nutrition, public health, food science, or related field is desired. Strong organizational, science reading, writing, and editing skills. Ability to solve conceptual problems through selection and application of Institute of Medicine policies and procedures. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies divisions and boards through effective communication. Good written and communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff.
Description
The Institute of Medicine serves as adviser to the nation to improve health. Established in 1970 as the health arm of the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine is an independent, nonprofit organization that works outside of government to provide unbiased and authoritative advice to decision makers and the public.
The Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) was established in 1940 to study issues of national importance pertaining to the safety and adequacy of the nation's food supply, to establish principles and guidelines for adequate nutrition, and to render authoritative judgment on the relationships among food intake, nutrition, and health, at the request of various agencies.
The Research Assistant will be part of a team that organizes and coordinates the work of forums/roundtables and of consensus studies related to food and nutrition. Performs a number of basic research functions and activities that facilitate the research efforts of staff. May conduct searches and compile information or data and may assist in analyzing basic research results. Tasks may include data entry and extraction, data conversion, manipulation, retrieval, editing, documentation, and formatting charts, graphic displays and tables. Updates and maintains databases. Assists with administrative duties related to programs/projects.
Under the guidance of more experienced staff, this entry-level research job performs basic program research and writing in support of assigned program(s)/project(s). Some tasks may be complex, but most decision-making can be made within pre-determined approaches. Incumbent may perform related administrative and clerical tasks, but the primary focus of the job is providing research support.
1. Conducts database, website, and literature searches in various national/international publications to identify articles and other information that may provide pertinent data in support of programs/projects. Researches, compiles, and organizes journal articles and other research materials. Verifies references noted by committee members. Collects bibliographic, statistical, and other information and incorporates pertinent information into project’s bibliographic and reference files.
2. Updates and maintains databases and files pertaining to programs/projects. Maintains email and distribution lists.
3. Researches and organizes information about committee member candidates, speakers, and forum members.
4. Attends and participates in meetings and workshops.
5. Performs fact and reference checking for reports. Inputs edits into report drafts. Creates reference lists, bibliographies, figures, graphics, and tables for reports. Formats figures and tables.
6. May ensure Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and 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.
7. May perform related administrative duties including meeting planning, coordinating travel arrangements, organizing materials for meetings, and corresponding with committee members.
8. May participate in report dissemination activities.
9. May serve as a mentor or resource to support staff.