Duties

Summary

Join one of the 24 Institutes and Centers within the NIH that awards extramural grants! Extramural grants account for approximately 80 percent of NIH's budget and are awarded to investigators at more than 2,500 universities, medical schools, and other research organizations around the world. To learn more about the grants process, types of grant programs, and the peer review process, visit the website for the Office of Extramural Research .
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Responsibilities

This announcement will be used to fill the following positions within the NIH:

Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer)
As a Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer), you will perform the following tasks:

• Perform scientific and administrative reviews and analyses of applications/proposals from a programmatic viewpoint.
• Consult with and advise grantees/contractors during preparation of applications/proposals and provide guidance on program issues.
• Develop, coordinate and administer grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts established to fulfill the mission of the Branch and Division.
• Visit universities, research institutions, commercial organizations, other government agencies, and public and private organizations to promote and explain the objectives of the program.

Health Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer)
As a Health Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer), you will perform the following tasks:

• Provide policy direction and coordination for the planning and execution of initial scientific and technical review conducted within the Institute or Center.
• Utilize scientific knowledge and expertise to perform a variety of management functions associated with the scientific peer review of IC research, research training support activities and other contract activities.
• Manage the initial scientific and administrative review of grant, program project grant, and training grant applications as well as research project applications submitted in response to requests for applications.
• Appoint and manage review panels, including the identification of qualified reviewers to evaluate all applications and proposals and make any recommendations from IC and NIH program officials, to assemble a balanced group of experts and consultants.
• Act as the sole Federal official and agency representative by guiding the activities of a review committee and ensuring continuity in their approach toward evaluating applications, proposals, and adherence to peer review policies and procedures.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
14

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date.
• Employment is subject to the successful completion of the pre-appointment process (i.e., background investigation, verification of qualifications and job requirements, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, etc.)
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Applicants must meet all qualifications requirements within thirty (30) calendar days of the closing date of this announcement, including time in grade.
• This position has a positive education requirement

Qualifications

Basic Experience Requirements for All Grade Levels:
Applicants must demonstrate that they have worked independently in planning, organizing, and conducting biomedical behavioral health, or health-related research; served effectively, in research program administration in these fields; and acquired an understanding of the history, interests, internal dynamics, and relationships of organizations in which health research is conducted. This experience may be gained as a principal investigator of a grant or contract, or may otherwise be gained through active involvement in initiating research projects, developing protocols, conducting studies, documenting findings, interpreting results in a published report (journal), supervising staff, and managing the budget.

Requirements for Applicants to the GS-12 level: The basic requirements for fully qualifying at this level are one year of independent health research beyond the doctoral degree and one year of health research program administration experience (can be undertaken concurrently). Qualifying professional experience may be obtained in one of the following environments.

Academic Environment: serving as principal investigator or equivalent on a grant or contract which may include institutional grant support or foundation funds, but should have been obtained competitively; independent research as evidenced by the development of a research project, and primary authorship of research publications in peer-reviewed journals; held the position of Instructor, Assistant Professor or equivalent OR

Intramural Environment: independent research, as evidenced by the development of research projects, and primary authorship of research publications in peer-reviewed journals; evidence of responsibility for significant aspects of laboratory/research unit (at least 3 years postdoctoral research); held the position of Staff Fellow, Senior Staff Fellow, Research Associate or equivalent OR

Private Sector (Profit/Nonprofit): conceptualization and implementation of a research project, primary authorship on internal research reports or patents, and/or publications in peer-reviewed journals; held the position of Research Scientist or equivalent OR

Extramural Environment: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in the public sector, performing the following types of review or program tasks: review for completeness applications for research grants or contracts; study scientific literature in order to place the proposed research project in its relationship to the research being done in the subject matter area; respond to issues and concerns about specific applications or proposals pertaining to assigned program areas.

Requirements for Applicants to the GS-13 level: In addition to meeting the basic requirements of one year of independent health research beyond the doctoral degree and one year of health research program administration experience, applicants must possess at least one year of professional experience in one of the following environments.

Academic Environment: management of significant independent research projects (analogous to an RO1 and R29 grant) and supervision of graduate researchers or technicians; publications in refereed journals, presenting published work to scientific organizations and teaching graduate level courses in biomedical/behavioral or health-related disciplines; served as a reviewer on peer-review panels or journals; held the position of Assistant or Associate Professor or equivalent OR

Intramural Environment: responsible for multiple scientific projects, supervising graduate researchers or technicians; publications in refereed journals, presenting published work to scientific organizations and teaching graduate level course in biomedical/behavioral or health related disciplines; served as a reviewer on peer-review panels or journals; held the position of Research Scientist (permanent position), Section Chief, or equivalent OR

Private Sector (Profit/Nonprofit): evidence of increasing responsibility in research or administration within the company; held the position of Senior Research Scientist/Project Manager or equivalent OR

Extramural Environment: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service obtained in the public sector, performing the following types of review or program tasks: review the technical and scientific merit of applications and proposals received requesting grant or contract funds; provide advice in program planning, solicitation, and evaluation to perform day-to-day administrative functions related to research grants and interagency agreements supporting research projects in my scientific area; identify new basic, translational and clinical research concepts, projects and initiatives to appropriate advisory groups; and formulate and develop Program Announcements, RFAs, RFPs, or a combination of these, to achieve objectives.

Requirements for Applicants to the GS-14 level: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, applicants must possess at least one year of professional experience that demonstrates extensive scientific expertise incorporating research experience with varied responsibilities for providing leadership in a scientific area, and functioning as a leader for a variety of efforts, such as directing research and coordinating committee and teaching activities, and organizing and chairing sessions at national scientific meetings. Qualifying professional experience may be obtained in one of the following environments.Academic Environment: serves as an appointed member of a scientific peer-review panel or editorial board; held the position of Associate Professor, Professor or equivalent OR

Intramural Environment: responsible for at least two concurrent research projects with separate staff and budgets and supervising doctoral level staff; held the position of Section Chief or equivalent for at least 2 years ORPrivate Sector (Profit/Nonprofit): evidence of increasing responsibility in research or administration within the company; held the position of Senior Research Scientist/Project Manager or equivalent OR

Extramural Environment: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal service obtained in the public sector, performing the following types of review or program tasks: organize and conduct workshops, conferences, symposia or similar activities to foster the aims of the program, to facilitate communication among investigators, or to advise on the status of progress and emerging directions of research in the assigned program area; manage the initial scientific and administrative review of center grant, program project grant, and training grant applications, as well as research project applications submitted in response to requests for applications, multi-center clinical trial applications, and contract proposals assigned to the program area; plan, advise, and evaluate program activities for a portfolio of research project, research program and other grants/awards, cooperative agreements, and/or contracts in the assigned program area and the discovery, development and evaluation of associated prevention and therapeutic strategies; review and evaluate periodic and interim progress reports to determine effectiveness of support and achievement of objectives; recommend funding plans for initiatives; establish the criteria and standards for a review panel.

Qualifying experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10999307

Education

Basic Education Requirements:

Applicants must meet the requirements described in paragraphs A or B below. Successful completion of all requirements for a Ph.D. (or equivalent doctoral degree), in an accredited college or university, including acceptance of the dissertation, in an academic field of the health or pertinent sciences (i.e., biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, etc.) allied to health or health related research OR

Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university, leading to a bachelor's or higher degree, with major study in an academic field of the health or pertinent sciences which have been applied and utilized by the applicant in health or health-related research and, in addition, at least 1 year of qualifying progressively responsible experience; or any equivalent combination of graduate study and research experience in these fields. This education and experience must demonstrate that the applicant has acquired the scientific knowledge, skills and abilities to apply and utilize them successfully in health or health-related research at a level which is the qualitative equivalent of that acquired in meeting all the requirements for the Ph.D. degree (or equivalent doctoral degree), including the dissertation as indicated above. The appropriate doctoral equivalency must be supported by publications in health or health-related research accomplishment in appropriate scientific journals; or other objective evidence in such form that it may be reviewed and evaluated.

You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Click here for information on Foreign Education .

Additional information

Visit our Health Scientist Administrator web page for more information on the positions. When applying, you will need to select the specialty of your choice. We will issue separate referral listings for each of the specialties.

• This position is designated as a " non-emergency/teleworker " position and the selected candidate will be considered a " non-emergency/teleworker " employee. In the event of a closure, you must be available to telework or request leave.
• A one-year probationary period may be required upon selection/placement.
• NIH may repay certain outstanding Federally-insured student loans to facilitate the recruitment and retention of highly qualified people. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
• A newly appointed or reappointed employee may receive service credit for prior work experience or active duty uniformed service that otherwise would not be creditable for the purpose of determining his or her annual leave accrual rate. All creditable service must be directly related to the duties of the position being filled and decisions to allow for such credit must be finalized prior to the selectee's entrance on duty. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
• A newly appointed or reappointed individual may receive a recruitment incentive. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
• At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities: telework, alternative work schedule.
• PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should apply online to this announcement to receive consideration.
• Additional selections may be made through this vacancy announcement.
• This announcement will be used to fill positions across NIH. We may subsequently advertise targeted announcements to fill specific positions if there is a need. To be considered under any other announcement we advertise, you must apply directly.
• If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency. This information is required annually. For information, visit the NIH Ethics website: https://ethics.od.nih.gov/topics/fd.htm .
• Visit our Applicant FAQs page for helpful information on the application process.
• The National Institutes of Health participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program ( E-Verify ). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
• The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
• If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Ensure you support your self-ratings by the information you provide in your application. We may verify or assess your qualifications at any time. Inflated or unsupported qualifications may affect your rating. Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as having knowledge of your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin prior to receiving an offer. To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) , you must substantively exceed the basic qualifications by scoring at least an 85 on the assessment and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and all other requirements.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
No

Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

RESUME:
Your resume must thoroughly describe how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. We cannot assume you have performed the necessary experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career. To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builde r. If you choose to use your own resume, you must ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position:

Job title

Name of employer

Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format)

Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.

Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable)

Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position)

If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you need to list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.

For resume writing guidance, please visit the following resources: NIH Jobs website , USAJOBS Resource Center , and the USAJOBS Resume Writing Video Tutorial .

ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE:
You must submit a completed assessment questionnaire.

ELIGIBILITY/PREFERENCE DOCUMENTATION:
You must submit the following documentation, if applicable to you AND respond accordingly to the associated question on the online questionnaire. If you do not provide the required information, we will assume you are not eligible or you do not wish to be considered for any preference or eligibility.

• SF-50 - A copy of your most recent competitive career or career conditional SF-50 that shows the effective date of your latest position and the full performance level. You may obtain a copy of your SF-50 from your human resources office or, if you are an HHS employee, from your eOPF . If you separated from Federal Government employment, you may obtain a copy of your SF-50 via the Federal Records Center, National Archives and Records Administration.
• Veteran Documentation: (DD-214, VA Disability Letter, etc.). Reference Standard Form 15 (SF-15) for required documentation if you are a 10-point preference eligible. Submission of SF-15 is not required, unless you have derived preference (XP) as described in questions 7, 8, or 9 on the SF-15. In those cases, you must submit a completed SF-15 and the required documentation. For 5 point preference eligibles, you must submit your DD-214 (if separated) or any written documentation from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application package.
• Schedule A (Disability Appointment) : Documentation of eligibility for employment under Schedule A can be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. The letter must be printed on a medical professional's letterhead and signed. Please note the Schedule A hiring authority neither guarantees employment, nor gives an individual preference in the hiring process.
• Documentation to support any other noncompetitive or OPM interchange agreement eligibility. Reference the Eligibility section of the questionnaire for required documents and information.
• Visit our sites on Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) / Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) for more information and required documentation.

Please do not submit any other supplementary documentation that is not requested of you. To protect your personal information, we will only send your resume and cover letter to the selecting official or hiring manager.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.