The American Academy of Arts and Sciences seeks a Program Officer to support When the Facts Change, a multidisciplinary initiative examining how scientific knowledge evolves and how scientific, professional, and public institutions respond to changing evidence. Through comparative case studies, expert convenings, and research publications, the project will explore the processes by which scientific findings are reassessed, communicated, and incorporated into institutional decisions and public policy.
Working with project co-chairs, committee members, and Academy staff, the Program Officer will play a central role in implementing the project's research agenda. The Program Officer will oversee the development of case studies, coordinate interdisciplinary research and expert working groups, and contribute substantially to the project's written products and public engagement activities. This work will reflect the Academy's commitment to independent, nonpartisan, and multidisciplinary research.
This position reports to the John E. Bryson Director of Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Programs. It is a full-time, two-year appointment, with the possibility of extension subject to funding and organizational needs.
Major Areas of Responsibility- Work with the SET Director, steering committee, and working group members to implement the project's research agenda, including the selection, development, and comparative analysis of case studies examining changes in scientific evidence and institutional responses.
- Conduct and oversee interdisciplinary research, including literature reviews, historical and policy analysis, expert interviews, and the synthesis of qualitative and quantitative evidence.
- Develop and prepare substantive written materials, including research memoranda, case studies, reports, executive briefings, meeting summaries, and publications for academic, policy, and public audiences.
- Coordinate the work of the steering committee, expert working groups, and external researchers, including developing research questions, identifying participants, preparing background materials, and tracking progress toward project deliverables.
- Organize and facilitate expert meetings, workshops, and public events that advance the project's research and dissemination goals, in collaboration with other Academy staff.
- Collaborate with the Civic Science Fellow and other project staff to ensure coordination across research activities, case studies, and project publications.
- Work with Academy communications and publications staff to develop materials and outreach activities that make project findings accessible to a range of audiences.
- Monitor project progress, manage research timelines and deliverables, and contribute to grant reports, funding proposals, and other materials supporting the initiative.
- Represent the project at meetings, convenings, and briefings as requested.
- May supervise permanent or temporary Academy staff in tasks related to the project and encourage staff development.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications- Ph.D in a relevant field is preferred, such as the natural or social sciences, history or philosophy of science, science and technology studies, public policy, or a related discipline. Candidates should also have at least five years of relevant professional experience.
- Strong research and analytical skills, including demonstrated experience synthesizing complex scientific, historical, or policy evidence and working across disciplinary boundaries.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience preparing substantive research reports, analytical papers, or publications for diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex, collaborative research projects, including coordinating contributions from researchers and subject matter experts, maintaining timelines, and producing high-quality deliverables.
- Ability to engage effectively with a wide range of scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and institutional leaders, and to facilitate constructive conversations across disciplines and perspectives.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage competing priorities independently.
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, incorporate feedback, and contribute to an inclusive and collegial team environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with research and project management tools.
Application: To be considered, candidates must submit a cover letter (maximum of two pages), a résumé, and a professional writing sample. Please submit documents in PDF format if possible.
Terms and Location: The Academy has offices in Cambridge, MA and Washington, D.C. This position may be performed on a hybrid basis from one of those locations, or completely remotely elsewhere. Remote work eligibility is subject to organizational and state-specific employment requirements. Occasional travel for meetings is expected.
The Academy operates on standard business hours of 9:00am - 5:30pm Eastern Standard Time
