Program Officer - Life Sciences and Biotechnology Program

Job Description Summary:

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Life Sciences and Biotechnology Program explores research from the molecular to the ecosystem level, emphasizing the design and engineering of biological systems. Our work focuses on the convergence of life sciences with engineering, computing, and materials science to drive innovation in public health, agriculture, and beyond.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
In consultation with a supervisor, the Program Officer manages workshops, consensus studies, and other activities in areas such as in life sciences, biotechnology, and related disciplines. Through these activities, the Program Officer brings together experts and stakeholders from academia, government, industry, and the public to examine complex scientific and policy issues from multiple perspectives, facilitate constructive dialogue, build shared understanding, and produce evidence-informed workshop products that capture key perspectives and inform future research, policy, or practice.

The Program Officer is responsible for coordinating project strategy, content development, budgets, schedules, stakeholder engagement, and deliverables to ensure assigned projects meet their objectives. The position works closely with experts, sponsors, and colleagues across the National Academies and may supervise or provide day-to-day direction to project/program staff.

**COVER LETTER REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION**

Job Description:

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Manages, leads, and supports assigned workshops, meetings, and related projects in collaboration with a supervisor, ensuring alignment with project objectives, scope, schedule, and budget. Manages the planning and execution of convening activities, including development of agendas, engagement of presenters and participants, oversight of meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and preparation of written summaries and other deliverables. Collaborates with experts and sponsors from federal, state, and local government agencies, foundations, academic institutions, and other organizations, and represents the program within and outside the National Academies.

 

COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT

Where applicable and under the guidance of a senior study director, collaborates in the formation and ongoing work of study committees, including identifying potential nominees, supporting committee appointments, and working closely with committee chairs and members. Engages with committee members, consultants, and staff to facilitate productive discussions, share relevant research and background information, and support informed deliberations. Serves as a liaison between committees and the National Academies, fostering effective communication, collaboration, and progress toward project objectives.

RESEARCH AND WRITING

Conducts and synthesizes background research to support workshops, meetings, and other program activities. Prepares and edits background papers, technical summaries, reports, workshop summaries, and other written products for internal and external audiences. Supports review and publication processes by coordinating revisions, responding to editorial comments and concerns, and preparing final materials for publication.

Related duties and special projects may be assigned as needed.

 

STAFF MANAGEMENT

May supervise project/program staff with oversight from a senior project director. Provides day-to-day direction, guidance, and feedback to assigned staff, establishes clear expectations, supports staff development, and ensures consistent application of organizational policies and procedures.

 

COMMUNICATION AND DISSEMINATION

Plans and implements communications and dissemination activities, as appropriate, to extend the reach and usefulness of project work. Develops and maintains substantive project materials for websites, social media, and other communication channels; communicates scientific and technical information clearly to relevant audiences; engages external organizations and stakeholders; and supports report production and dissemination activities.

 

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

Contributes to the development of new and continuing work under senior staff guidance by researching emerging topics, developing prospectuses and proposals, identifying potential sponsors, and supporting fundraising efforts. Where applicable, maintains relationships with funders, members, alumni, and other external partners.

 

COLLABORATION AND TEAMWORK

Builds and maintains productive working relationships with colleagues across the National Academies and with external experts, sponsors, and other stakeholders. Collaborates across organizational and disciplinary boundaries to support effective project execution, expert engagement, and achievement of program objectives.

 

REQUIREMENTS

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated expertise in life sciences, biotechnology, and related disciplines, including biological molecules and their interactions; computational analyses and modeling of biological molecules, cells, organisms, and ecosystems; in vitro technologies and methodologies; and biotechnology research and development.
• Strong program and project management skills, including managing budgets, workplans, schedules, staff, stakeholders, and deliverables across multiple projects while adapting to changing priorities and maintaining quality and deadlines.
• Experience in project development, proposal preparation, sponsor engagement, and stewardship.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex scientific, technical, and policy information, learn and apply new concepts, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences through strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong facilitation and interpersonal skills, including engaging experts with differing perspectives, fostering productive discussions, translating technical and strategic dialogue into actionable outcomes, and building collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, lead teams, supervise and mentor staff, and provide clear direction, constructive feedback, and support for staff development.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, identify and resolve complex project issues, and work independently within established institutional policies and guidance.

 

Minimum Education: Master's degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge required.

Minimum Experience: Three years of related professional experience. Demonstrated basic proficiency in conveying scientific/technical/policy information. 

 

Preferred Education: Ph.D. 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: Typically reports to a Senior Program Officer or Director. General direction is provided. May supervise project/program staff with oversight by a 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 meeting/sponsor locations.

 

Compensation & Benefits: An estimated compensation range for this position is $92,040 - $115,040. 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. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range.   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.

 

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 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, 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.

 

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

 

Job Family:

PROG

Employee Type:

Employee

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

City/State:

Washington, District of Columbia