Research Assistant, Congress and American National Government

Job Description

Job Ttitle: Research Assistant, Congress and American National Government

Company: Federal government of the United States


Description: SummaryThe Congressional Research Service (CRS) Government and Finance Division seeks a Research Assistant to join its Congress and the Judiciary Section. The research assistant will support data analysis, research, and writing tasks across a broad range of policy issues fundamental to the operations of the institutions of American government. These issues range from the census and elections to congressional administration and representational activities to judicial nominations and operations.Overview

• Accepting applications

Open & closing dates11/21/2024 to 12/23/2024Salary$68,405 – $88,926 per yearPay scale & gradeGS 09LocationRemote jobNoTelework eligibleYes—as determined by the agency policy.Travel RequiredNot requiredRelocation expenses reimbursedNoAppointment typeTerm – Indefinite, not-to-exceed 3 years.Work scheduleFull-time – Flexitime.ServiceExceptedPromotion potential11Job family (Series)Supervisory statusNoSecurity clearanceDrug testNoAnnouncement numberVAR002918Control number820236000This job is open toClarification from the agencyU.S. citizens.DutiesThe ideal applicant will have experience conducting research on Congress and American national government including on one or more of the issues listed above, and must be able to work as part of a collaborative team. Strong research, writing, and presentation skills are essential. Candidates with strong data analysis skills (e.g., R, STATA, SAS, SPSS, Excel) are especially encouraged to apply.The Research Assistant will support CRS analysts in their objective, nonpartisan public policy analysis for and consultation with congressional clients.The duties of the Research Assistant include:

• Supporting the work of analysts preparing analytical and descriptive written products that inform congressional understanding of public policy issues and consideration of policy proposals.
• Participating in group efforts on research projects as a member of a collaborative team and undertaking research and data analytical tasks in support of the development of an array of analytical and descriptive products or components.
• Performing literature searches and reviews, and evaluating publications and analyses for authoritativeness, relevance, and currency. Recommending documents for use by analysts and preparing abstracts of descriptive and analytical underlying materials.
• Locating, extracting, collecting, and/or compiling quantitative data and other information; interpreting and evaluating data for accuracy, relevance, authoritativeness, and usefulness; identifying and resolving problems with data; and formatting data to meet targeted, well-defined research needs.
• Creating and populating databases and spreadsheets, reformatting and standardizing data from different sources, and performing data input, calculations, and analysis. Informing colleagues on the content, nature, and use of data resources.
• Formatting a range of tables, graphs, images, and other components of CRS products, reviewing and verifying this content for accuracy and completeness. Recommending quality control procedures and making suggestions to improve and enhance these components.
• Conducting research and preparing materials for use at consultations, briefings, and seminars for congressional clients. Attending consultations, briefings, seminars, and outreach activities to gain familiarity with CRS’s information and analytic capabilities, record questions, and otherwise assist analysts.

CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century.CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation’s best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees.The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that ensures the Service is well positioned to anticipate and meet the information and analytical research needs of a 21st-century Congress.The position description number for this position is 460699.The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.The incumbent of this position may work a flextime work schedule.The tour of duty for this position is full-time.This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.RequirementsConditions of EmploymentLibrary of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.QualificationsApplicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

• Knowledge of Congress and American national government**
• Ability to apply knowledge of the analytic research process in Congress and American national government**
• Ability to identify, exploit, and manipulate research resources and tools to perform research tasks pertinent to Congress and American national government**
• Ability to prepare written research materials related to Congress and American national government**
• Ability to convey information orally through briefings, consultations, and other presentations
• Ability to collaborate
• Ability to exercise objectivity in all phases of research, including written and oral presentations
• Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing

EducationThere are no education requirements for this posting.Additional informationAlthough it is the Library’s policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade.The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see:This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library’s Office of EEO/Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service.The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement.The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.A “Not to Exceed” (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints.Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans’ preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans’ Preference will not be considered in the application process.

• Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .

Salary: $68405 – 88926 per year

Location: Washington DC

Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2024 07:19:52 GMT


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