WHO WE ARE: 

The American Institute of Physics (AIP) is a federation of 10 Member Societies which together have nearly 120,000 members across the globe. Founded in 1931, AIP is a federation that advances the success of our Member Societies and an institute that engages in research and analysis to empower positive change in the physical sciences. Our overarching strategy is to advance the physical sciences with a unifying voice of strength from diversity.  We want you to become a part of our mission and join our dynamic team! 

SUMMARY: 

AIP is looking for an Associate Director of Policy Research & Analysis to join the Institute’s Team.

This newly established associate director position has responsibility for helping to design and implement a policy research function that complements AIP’s current work in science policy news reporting as well as its historical and social scientific research on the physical sciences enterprise. The associate director will ultimately have primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the policy research function and may in the future have managerial responsibilities contingent on the future expansion of a policy research team.

AIP’s policy research function will focus on developing and communicating in-depth, up-to-date informational content on priority issues for AIP, its ten Member Societies, and the physical sciences community at large. These may include matters handled by the White House, Congress, federal agencies, state government, or institutions within the community such as federally funded laboratories and universities. International science policy may also be addressed. This position has no government relations responsibilities, though it may involve communicating with policymakers to gain a firmer appreciation of issues they are handling.

Preferred candidates will have familiarity with science policy issues and funding mechanisms, excellent research and writing skills, and a demonstrated ability to think independently, learn about and navigate a variety of topics, and analyze them creatively using qualitative and quantitative methods. By finding incisive ways of communicating and explaining policy issues in ways that are intelligible for both scientific and policymaking audiences, the associate director will help enhance the role AIP plays in the science policy ecosystem. The associate director will report to the Director of Research in History, Policy, and Culture and will be a leader within the broader AIP Research Home Team, which is led by the Chief Research Officer.

Join our team of energized, charismatic, collaborative, and passionate individuals, and contribute to making a difference in the field of physical sciences!

WHAT YOU’LL DO: 

• Take a leading role in designing and implementing a new policy research function for AIP.

• Conduct in-depth research and analysis projects on a variety of science policy issues.

• Communicate research results in different written formats, bringing value to sophisticated audiences in the scientific and policymaking communities.

• Seek opportunities to speak at relevant events and serve in an expert capacity for stakeholders outside of AIP as opportunities manifest.

• Work collaboratively across teams at AIP, including the science policy news team, the history team, and the social scientific research team.

• Engage external stakeholders to gather information and analytical insights and to build relationships that will enhance AIP’s role in the science policy ecosystem.

• Seek opportunities to convene external stakeholders in private and public events that explore priority issues in science policy.

• Work with others at AIP to cultivate new funding opportunities that will help to build out the policy research team through staff hires and term-limited fellowships.

• Recruit and manage policy research staff members as opportunities arrive to expand the team.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING: 

• A bachelor’s degree in any relevant field plus ten years of experience working in relevant science policy environment, or an advanced degree in a relevant field plus six years of experience working in a relevant science policy environment.

• Strong familiarity with today’s science policy landscape, ideally including a focus on policy issues in the physical sciences; knowledge of historical science policy is also useful.

• Demonstrated skills in research, analysis, and writing, including an ability to synthesize diverse sources into coherent and incisive explanations.

• An ability to develop familiarity with new issues as they emerge and to navigate multiple issues simultaneously.

• An ability to bring creativity to policy analysis and a strong interest in examining issues in ways that break new ground.

• Ease in collaborating and engaging with people with differing professional backgrounds.

• Comfort in working with digital content management systems and an interest in developing new tools for communication and analysis.

• Strong organizational and managerial skills.

TO APPLY: 

Include a resume and a cover letter. We encourage you to apply even if your experience does not fully match the position description. At AIP, we embrace considering people from a diversity of backgrounds and career experiences. 

COMPENSATION: $108,080.00 - $118,888.00.

WORKING AT AIP: 

AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The team works in a flexible, hybrid schedule and reports to our offices in College Park, Maryland and Washington, DC, as needed. Employees are required to reside in the DC Metro regions of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC. 

We offer comprehensive benefits, including generous paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, an annual retirement contribution of 10% of base pay, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and more. 

Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to community service, institute-wide social opportunities, and ongoing learning and development, AIP is a rewarding place to work. 

ABOUT AIP: 

Join Us and Make a Difference!

At the American Institute of Physics (AIP), we're dedicated to advancing, promoting, and serving the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, AIP is a federation that advances the success of our Member Societies and an institute that engages in research and analysis to empower positive change in the physical sciences.

Our mission is to advance, promote, and serve the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity. We are passionate about our work and committed to fostering an inclusive and dynamic environment where creativity, collaboration, and enthusiasm thrive.

Join our team and become part of an energized, forward-thinking community. Together, we'll explore the frontiers of science, support groundbreaking research, and contribute to the betterment of humanity.

Be a part of AIP—where science meets passion and purpose.

AIP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.