Program Officer -Biomedical and Health Sciences

Job Description Summary

THE PROGRAM
The Biomedical and Health Sciences Program addresses basic biomedical, translational, clinical, and health sciences research, development, and policy. Addresses workforce issues, bioethics, legal and societal contexts, and the resilience and health security of communities.

THE OPPORTUNITY
Contributes to the Biomedical and Health Sciences Program’s Resilient and Enduring Data Infrastructure for Biomedical and Life Sciences Research and Innovation (REDI) initiative, which will foster action toward sustainable infrastructure for the data resources that enable biomedical research. As datasets ranging from genomics and imaging to AI-enabled analytics continue to grow in scale, complexity, and importance, REDI seeks to address the increasing challenge of ensuring these resources remain sustainable, accessible, and effective over time. In consultation with supervisor, the program officer will manage working groups of initiative members to undertake and deliver REDI products such as issue papers and discussion documents, workshops, and written proceedings addressing data lifecycle management; strategic prioritization of resources in the biomedical database landscape; and pilot design and evaluation.

***COVER LETTER REQUIRED***

Job Description

RESPONSIBILITIES

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Supports the work of the Biomedical and Health Sciences Program Area, focusing primarily on its Resilient and Enduring Data Infrastructure for Biomedical and Life Sciences Research and Innovation initiative. In collaboration with supervisor, develops program or project strategy, manages budget, and ensures project meets objectives. Conducts large and small workshops and/or meetings. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares written summaries. Collaborates with experts and sponsors from federal, state, and local government agencies, foundations, schools, and other organizations. Represents the program and committee within and outside the National Academies.

COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT

Where applicable, and with senior study director oversight, recruits potential committee nominees and assembles appointment packages. Communicates and coordinates with the committee chair and members. Identifies and gathers research materials. Facilitates the flow of information among committee members, consultants, staff, and other applicable parties. Supports committee members, workshop participants, etc. in all aspects of work. Serves as staff liaison between committee members and the National Academies.

RESEARCH AND WRITING

Prepares background papers and technical summaries. Provides assistance in preparing reports, workshop summaries, or other written products. Drafts and edits materials for publication. Assists with the response to review process, responds to comments and concerns of editors, and prepares the final manuscript for publication. Related duties and special projects as assigned.

STAFF MANAGEMENT

Assigns tasks and provides guidance and feedback to staff. May manage staff with oversight by senior study director. Interprets and ensures consistent application of organizational policies.

COMMUNICATION AND DISSEMINATION

Where applicable, plans and implements extensive communications activities related to the forum. Creates and maintains materials, web sites, and social media channels to provide interest groups with information generated from and for the forum. Where applicable, creates and implements dissemination plan that may include engaging external organizations, preparing dissemination materials, and conducting dissemination meetings. Assists in managing report production activities.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

With senior staff oversight, conducts background research on topics for new studies, programs, or activities. Writes prospectuses and proposals for new and continuing funding. Identifies potential sponsors. Raises funds for current and future projects. Where applicable, manages funder/member/alumni relations.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

Master's degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge required. Ph.D. in related field preferred. Degree or experience in biomedical informatics, computer science, data science, information studies, data architecture, or related fields preferred. Experience with research data governance, stewardship, interoperability, or scientific data infrastructure highly desirable.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Advanced knowledge of scientific, technical, or policy issues in a related discipline, such as immunology or human pathophysiology. Strong program/project management skills. Ability to solve intellectual problems that are varied and complex using originality and ingenuity. Ability to operate using appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Ability to manage and develop projects. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness.

EXPERIENCE

Three years of related professional experience. Demonstrated basic proficiency in conveying scientific/technical/policy information in verbal and written form. Familiarity with one or more areas relevant to REDI, including biomedical research data infrastructure, stewardship, and governance; biodata repository operations; scientific computing; open science; or data ecosystem development preferred. A successful candidate will be able to engage effectively with experts in biomedical research, data infrastructure, governance, and policy; facilitate groups of experts across these areas; and translate technical and strategic discussions into deliverables.

COLLABORATION AND TEAM WORK

Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers, employees in other National Academies' departments, and external constituents through effective communication.

COMMUNICATION

Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and constituents. Ability to understand and share technical/scientific issues with diverse audiences.

SUPERVISION

Typically reports to senior program officer or director. General direction is provided. Supervises staff with minimal oversight by director/senior program officer.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  Advanced knowledge of scientific, technical, or policy issues in a related discipline. Strong program/project management skills. Ability to understand and share technical/scientific issues with diverse audiences. Ability to solve intellectual problems that are varied and complex using originality and ingenuity. Ability to operate using appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Ability to manage and develop projects. Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers, employees in other National Academies' departments, and external constituents through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and constituents.

Preferred Education:  Ph.D. in related field preferred.

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:  Typically reports to senior program officer or director. General direction is provided. Supervises project/program staff with minimal oversight by director/senior program officer.

Work Environment:  Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies’ facilities and to off-site