Job Description

Society for Science has been dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, access to STEM education and scientific research for more than 100 years. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization, our mission promotes the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire. We are best known for our award-winning magazine, Science News, our world class science research competitions for middle and high school students and our outreach and equity STEM programs making sure that every young person can strive to become an engineer or scientist.

Position Overview

The Society is seeking a Scientific Integrity Officer to contribute to the Science Education Programs Department. This person will support the Society’s three core competitions: The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC). This position reports to the Chief Program Officer while also working in collaboration with the Directors of the Society’s competitions.

This is an exempt position.

The Society manages three student research science competitions:

• The Regeneron STS is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors that receives approximately 2,000 entries annually from which 300 scholars and 40 finalists are named.
• The Regeneron ISEF serves high school students 9-12 as the world’s largest pre-collegiate STEM research competition, gathering thousands of high school students from around the world.
• The Thermo Fisher JIC is our national STEM research competition for grades 6-8, receiving nearly 2,000 entries annually from which 300 semifinalists and 30 finalists are named.

The Society also manages an affiliated fair network of over 400 regional, state and country fairs that is the feeder system for ISEF and the Thermo Fisher JIC. All three STEM competitions have established rules of eligibility, rules of research and documentation as well as ethical codes of conduct. There are business processes to strive for fair and just competition, including those that work to verify the authenticity and authorship of projects submitted. We define scientific integrity as the practice of conducting, reporting and presenting scientific research ethically in adherence to competition guidelines and the professional values of the discipline.

Job Responsibilities

• Evaluate and evolve policies, procedures and operations in collaboration with Program Directors to proactively review applications for scientific integrity. This includes considering available technologies and materials collected to best verify authenticity
• Lead the development of educational training and professional development materials, related to the responsible conduct of research, research integrity and research misconduct for use by staff, student researchers, committee members, educators and fair directors
• Mediate and investigate allegations of research misconduct and eligibility violations. This may include notifications to affected parties, consulting subject-matter experts, convening appropriate parties for meetings, managing documentation and files per case and completing final reporting
• Support the scientific review process across the competitions, including reviewing applications and providing input in the annual updates to application forms, competition rules and regulations
• Work with the Regeneron ISEF Scientific Review Committee and support the affiliated fair network’s SRC processes
• Participate in relevant national organizations and training; maintain an expert level knowledge and interest in the institutional, local and national environments related to areas of scientific ethics, oversight and regulations
• Attends all program competitions and many volunteer meetings, which requires at least 3 weeks of travel annually and several weekend meetings

Qualifications

• Demonstrated project management and decision-making skills
• Experience working collaboratively to solve large scale problems. Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze, summarize, and effectively present information in both summary and in-depth forms
• Understanding and experience with the research tools being used by students and how to better detect fraud or plagiarism
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with people of all ages and backgrounds and the ability to work with diverse constituents
• Ability to use discretion and independent judgment to manage, protect and impart confidential information in a secure manner
• Strong effective writing skills and proficiency in analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting data and information.
• Self-motivated, organized, efficient and process oriented
• Commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI)
• Affinity for the educational, scientific and outreach

Desirable Qualifications

• Five years of directly related professional experience in research compliance within a higher education, nonprofit or academic setting preferred

Required Education and Experience

• Master’s degree strongly preferred with consideration given for degrees in a STEM field, law or ethics and for a Ph.D. or terminal degree in the discipline
• Working knowledge of research compliance areas and applicable regulatory frameworks
• Work experience in conducting scientific research

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee usually works in an office setting. Our office is located in Washington, D.C. near the Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro stations. The Society is operating on a hybrid work schedule.

Physical Requirements

This role’s work involves remaining in a stationary position most of the time in front of a computer, using a keyboard, mouse, and telephone. It also involves regularly operating a computer and other office equipment, occasionally moving about the work site to access file cabinets office equipment and communicating or exchanging information with co-workers and other individuals in person or electronically.

Position Type and Expected Hours

This is a full-time non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday during normal hours of the Society. The normal business hours of the Society are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, with core hours of 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST.

Salary

$80,000 to $100,000; salary is commensurate with experience.

Supervisory Responsibility

No supervisory responsibility.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Society for Science has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for employees coming into the office and attending Society events. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons.

How to Apply

Submit a professional resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Please apply through Applicant Pro: https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/societyforscience/jobs/3508545-560497

EEO Statement

The Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Society for Science is committed to equal employment opportunity. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, the Society does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, age and/or any other categories protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover every duty, responsibility and activity that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs