This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/543417500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
This position is located in the Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Division of Advertising Practices. The FTC has jurisdiction over the advertising of foods, OTC drugs, dietary supplements, devices, cosmetics, and medical services and enforces laws that prohibit false and unsubstantiated claims for such products and services. As part of its mission, the FTC investigates whether health-related advertising claims for products and services are substantiated and not misleading.
Learn more about this agency08/22/2019 to 09/30/2019
$137,849 - $166,500 per year
GS 15
1 vacancy in the following location:
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
No
Permanent
Full-Time
Competitive
15
No
No
DE-10580691-19-BCP-DAP
543417500
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
All U.S. Citizens
The employee will evaluate scientific and medical research and literature in support of these investigations, make recommendations based on that evaluation, and assist in case development from the initial phase through litigation. In addition, the employee will provide technical expertise in support of FTC policy development, consumer and business education development, and other programs. The primary requirements of the work are an extensive scientific background that is normally obtained by meeting the requirements of an M.D. or doctoral program in an appropriate field, followed by relevant post-doctoral research or similar experience in evaluating scientific evidence. A basic knowledge of physiology and pathology; basic biochemistry; moderately complex biostatistics; and the different types of scientific evidence and the strengths, weaknesses, and proper use of each form of evidence is required. Also required is knowledge sufficient to conduct and perform analysis and/or evaluations of scientific data and research for reliability, including the ability to recognize discrepancies and inconsistencies. A plus is knowledge of the legal and regulatory requirements for foods, drugs, devices, and dietary supplements under both FTC and FD&C Acts.
The incumbent may perform the following duties:
- Manage the initial scientific review and evaluation of the evidentiary support for health-related claims for foods, dietary supplements, drugs, devices, cosmetics, and services, as well as undertake independent research projects as assigned by agency management.
- Organize purported substantiation material submitted by targets of FTC investigations and develop an effective strategy, in coordination with the case team, to determine the adequacy of that substantiation.
- Conduct analysis of substantiation, including evaluating the methodology, statistical methods, competence, reliability, and, when such data are available, the underlying data and documentation, of tests and studies submitted in support of the claims; conducting literature searches to identify other relevant scientific studies and articles; consulting with outside subject-matter experts if necessary, and synthesizing the relevant scientific evidence to determine whether there is adequate evidence to substantiate that specified health-related claims are true.
- Provide oral briefings and written memoranda to attorneys and management on the adequacy of supporting scientific evidence and data to substantiate specified health-related claims.
- As necessary to support litigation, identify qualified litigation experts, prepare necessary documentation to retain litigation experts, consult with experts on expert reports and depositions, and provide recommendations to attorneys preparing to depose and cross-examine opposing experts.
- Represent the agency in discussions of scientific issues with opposing counsel and experts, identifying deficiencies and problems with the advertiser's substantiation.
- Provide education to staff members to ensure consistency in their approach toward evaluating cases in accordance with sound scientific standards and procedures.
- Monitor scientific journals and other scientific and medical resources on issues of interest to the agency.
- Draft business education material on substantiation of health-related claims.
- Make presentations to and interact with industry representatives and trade associations on issues relating to substantiation of health-related claims.
- Prepare review articles summarizing scientific evidence supporting specified therapeutic interventions.
- Organize and maintain a reference library of relevant scientific literature.
- Consult with health officials in other federal agencies to obtain information from other government scientists relevant to pending agency investigations and initiatives.
- Conduct market surveillance to identify potential targets for investigation.
- Provide input in the development of policies, methods, and procedures for the evaluation of substantiation.
This position has an education requirement. You must submit a copy of your transcripts . Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package; however, official transcripts will be required prior to receiving an official offer.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: FOREIGN EDUCATION
If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: VETERANS GUIDE
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see SELECTIVE SERVICE).
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of [[85]] or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: CAREER TRANSITION.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your résumé and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your résumé and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If, after reviewing your résumé and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
All qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category.
Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies.
Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies.
Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies.
Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. Other 10-point preference eligibles and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans' preference.
The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Your résumé showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed. 2. Other supporting documents: - Cover Letter, optional - College Transcript(s), showing your highest level of education, required. - Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.) - Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) |
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/543417500. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a bipartisan federal agency with a unique dual mission to protect consumers and promote competition. For one hundred years, our collegial and consensus-driven agency has championed the interests of American consumers. We challenge anti-competitive mergers and business practices, and ensure that the market works according to consumer preferences. If you would like to become a part of an innovative, dynamic, team dedicated to advancing consumer interests while encouraging innovation and competition in our dynamic economy, then consider joining the FTC team! To learn more information about the FTC please visit https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc.