Research Assistant

Job Description

What we want

Join Our Team as a Research Assistant at the Bush School of Government and Public Service!

Are you passionate about making a difference in national security and public health? As a Research Assistant , you’ll support the impactful work of the Biosecurity and Pandemic Policy Center, part of the Scowcroft Institute in the Bush School of Government and Public Service. You’ll engage in high-quality, nonpartisan policy research, educate future leaders, and enhance the visibility of our work among experts and academic communities. Your efforts will align with Texas A&M’s strategic themes, including biodefense, biotechnology, AI, and community health.

In this dynamic role, you’ll develop and coordinate project plans, support sponsored research, and create materials for workshops and conferences. You’ll collaborate with various parts of the A&M System and summarize research findings for publications produced by Texas A&M University. If you’re ready to contribute to groundbreaking research and help shape policy decisions, we want you on our team!

What you need to know

Salary : Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience

Cover Letter and Resume : A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended

Note : This position is located in Washington D.C.

Schedule : This position may require work beyond normal office hours

Travel : Candidate must have the ability to travel independently to other and / or remote locations by driving and / or flying on commercial airlines - this is for travel between the Bush School DC and College Station, TX

Physical Requirements : Candidate must be able to support occasional lifting / carrying of classroom / presentation materials such as tables, banners, food, books, or chairs up to medium weight

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience :

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have basic familiarity with US biosecurity and public health agencies

Preferred Qualifications :

Two years of related experience

Formal training, such as a bachelor’s degree, or other relevant experience with economics to be able to contribute to research on public-private partnerships in biosecurity, biodefense, and public health, and research on business models to expand global manufacturing capacity of medical countermeasures

At least one year of experience working in or producing research about public health, biosecurity, science policy, international relations, medicine, or a related field

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Demonstrate strong organizational skills to maintain organized documentation of ongoing projects and institutional development priorities

Possess knowledge of US public health, biosecurity, biosafety, biotechnology landscape, to include an awareness of major areas of focus for both federal and non-federal research and policy discussions

Responsibilities

Research and Writing for Publication :

Conducting independent and collaborative research on public health, pandemic preparedness and response, biosecurity, biodefense, bioterrorism, synthetic biology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, national security, science policy, emerging technology policy, and contemporary discussions in the life sciences

Conducting literature reviews to inform publications, workshops, and conferences

Including regular literature reviews, understanding developments in emerging technologies and emerging technology policy, and assisting Center faculty and staff in the preparation of written products

Conference and Workshop Planning :

Plans and implements program events such as conferences, seminars, lectures, meetings and workshops - may require travel to attend and implement these events

Creating discussion materials, identifying and inviting speakers and participants, and assisting with logistics for large conferences in Texas and smaller workshops in Washington DC - requires the ability to travel between Texas and DC

Coordinating Research Projects :

Outreach to domain subject matter experts and schedule, organize, and assist in running meetings with experts, including recurring meetings

Assist in holding requirement-driven workshops about current and emerging policy issues faced by the United States, which may include coordinating events and inviting public policy stakeholders and researchers to inform research efforts, foster collaboration, and educate the policy community

Assist with the annual Scowcroft Pandemic Summit

Communications :

Coordinates program communications and marketing such as drafting news releases on the Center website about events and publications

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

of annual paid holidays

Up to and at least each month

Automatic enrollment in the

Health and Wellness :

Professional Development : All employees have access to free training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our which are : Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.