This announcement is for Pathways Internship Program position which provides opportunities for vocational and technical, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to gain work experience while pursuing their education.
LOCATION: The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recruiting for multiple Intern positions in various offices (please see list of locations). Students must be able to work at one of the locations listed in the vacancy announcement. You may choose up to 3 locations you are interested in. Please note that qualified applicants will be referred in the various locations as vacancies arise.
The salary listed in the vacancy announcement is at the base level. The geographical locality pay will be determined upon selection.
Additional selections may be made within the same geographical area in Food and Drug Administration.
APPOINTMENT DURATION/EXPECTATION: Appointment is based on continued need/funds for the position and the student's continued compliance in the Pathways Internship Program. This is a developmental program while interns complete their education. After successful completion of the Program, interns may be non-competitively converted to a term (not-to-exceed for one to four years) or permanent appointment in the competitive service.
WORK SCHEDULE: Interns may work full-time or part-time schedules, but not intermittent schedules. Part-time hours may be 16-32 hours per week. Tour of duty will be established so that it does not interfere with the academic schedule during the school year.
NOTE: It is anticipated that there will be significant interest in this announcement. As a result, this announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. EST on 04/06/2018OR at 11:59 p.m. EST on the day the 150 complete applications have been received; whichever comes first. All complete applications received as of the specified date or day and time will be accepted and considered.
Summary
This announcement is for Pathways Internship Program position which provides opportunities for vocational and technical, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to gain work experience while pursuing their education.
LOCATION: The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recruiting for multiple Intern positions in various offices (please see list of locations). Students must be able to work at one of the locations listed in the vacancy announcement. You may choose up to 3 locations you are interested in. Please note that qualified applicants will be referred in the various locations as vacancies arise.
The salary listed in the vacancy announcement is at the base level. The geographical locality pay will be determined upon selection.
Additional selections may be made within the same geographical area in Food and Drug Administration.
APPOINTMENT DURATION/EXPECTATION: Appointment is based on continued need/funds for the position and the student's continued compliance in the Pathways Internship Program. This is a developmental program while interns complete their education. After successful completion of the Program, interns may be non-competitively converted to a term (not-to-exceed for one to four years) or permanent appointment in the competitive service.
WORK SCHEDULE: Interns may work full-time or part-time schedules, but not intermittent schedules. Part-time hours may be 16-32 hours per week. Tour of duty will be established so that it does not interfere with the academic schedule during the school year.
NOTE: It is anticipated that there will be significant interest in this announcement. As a result, this announcement will close at 11:59 p.m. EST on 04/06/2018OR at 11:59 p.m. EST on the day the 150 complete applications have been received; whichever comes first. All complete applications received as of the specified date or day and time will be accepted and considered.
Students who are currently enrolled in an accredited, high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate.
The Pathways Internship Program offers opportunity to start a career in scientific, professional, and technical positions that support the mission of the Food and Drug Administration.
Positions filled under this vacancy announcement may be in any of the following occupation series:
GS-0499: As a Student Trainee (Biological Science): the duties may include assisting with the technical or clerical aspect of research or other professional and/or scientific work in the area of biological science.
GS-0699: As a Student Trainee (Medical and Health), the duties may include providing technical or clerical assistance in the area of research or scientific work in the medical and health field.
GS-1399, As a Student Trainee (Physical Science): the duties may include providing technical or clerical assistance in research or other professional and scientific work in the fields of physical science.
All qualification requirements must be met by 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) on 04/06/2018 . Please carefully read and follow the HOW TO APPLY instructions.
U.S. Citizenship, permanent resident or is otherwise authorized to be employed.
Must submit current school transcript and proof of current enrollment.
Overall GPA of at least 2.8 or better.
Must sign FDA Pathways Program Participant Agreement.
Must serve trial period during the duration of the Pathways Internship Program.
Security and Background Requirements: If not previously completed, a background security investigation will be required for all appointees. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements may be grounds for appropriate personnel action. If hired, a background security reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required at a later time. Applicants are also advised that all information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation. False representation may be grounds for non-consideration, non-selection and/or appropriate disciplinary action.
E-Verify: If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System. Federal law requires DHS to use the E-Verify System to verify employment eligibility of all new hires, and as a condition of continued employment obligates the new hire to take affirmative steps to resolve any discrepancies identified by the system. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is an E-Verify Participant.
Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
Pre-employment physical required: No
Financial disclosure statement may be required: No
Drug testing required: No
License required: No
Mobility agreement required: No
Immunization required: No
Bargaining Unit Position: No
Recruitment incentives may be authorized: No
Student loan repayment incentive authorized: No
Annual leave for non-federal service authorized: No.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for the Pathways Internship Program, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria and the qualification requirements corresponding to the grade level at which they wish to be considered by the closing date of the announcement:
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must be currently enrolled in high school or accepted for enrollment as a degree seeking student in an accredited vocational or technical institution, 2- or 4- year college/university or graduate/professional school; taking a minimum half-time load of courses; possessing and maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8 on a scale of 4.0; and pursuing any of the following academic degrees:
NOTE: Applicants MUST submit school transcripts and proof of 2018 Spring enrollment documentation (at least half-time). You must remain enrolled in a degree or certificate program to be eligible for this Internship. Official transcripts are required upon selection and prior to appointment. Failure to submit the documentation will result in disqualification from further consideration. In addition to the eligibility requirements for the Pathways Internship Program, you must also meet the qualification requirements below based on the educational achievements. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHEDULE D, PATHWAYS INTERNSHIP POSITION:
GS-04: Completion of 2 full academic years (60 semester/90 quarter units) of post-high school study or an associate's degree.
GS-05: Completion of 4 academic years (120 semester/180 quarter units) of post high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree.
GS-07: Completion of one full academic year of graduate level education (18 semester/27 quarter units); or eligibility under Superior Academic Achievement provision and completion of a bachelor's degree.
Note: One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school you attended has determined to represent one year of study. If this information cannot be obtained from your school, we will consider 18 semester/27 quarter hours to be equal to one year of full-time study.
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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:http://www.ed.gov/.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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. For further information, click on foreign education.
Additional information
PROGRAM COMPLETION AND CONVERSION: The Pathways Interns may be non-competitively converted to a term, career-conditional, or career appointment after meeting all other qualification requirements in accordance with 5 CFR 362.204. To be eligible for conversion to a permanent or term position, interns must meet all of the following:
Be a United States Citizen;
Completed at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through the Internship Program (May waive up to 320 hours of the 640 hours credit requirement based on exceptional job performance and outstanding academic achievement.);
Completed a course of academic study, within the 120-day period preceding the appointment, at a qualifying educational institution conferring a certificate, or degree;
Met the OPM Qualification standards for the position to which the Interns will be converted Any agency-specific requirements specified in the Participant's Agreement Demonstrate successful job performance that results in a rating of record of at least fully successful and a recommendation for conversion by the first level supervisor.
More information on the Pathways Programs for students interns can be found at: http://www.opm.gov/HiringReform/Pathways.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are claiming veterans' preference under competitive procedures, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD 214 member 2 or 4 copy), official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other proof of eligibility. To be acceptable, the document must show character of service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF-15) and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF 15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received. For more information visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/hire/hrp/vetguide/index.aspx
SELECTIVE SERVICE: The Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that all male applicants born after 12/31/59 who are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, be registered or they are not eligible for appointment to this position. For further information concerning Selective Service requirements, please visit: http://www.sss.gov/.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the job opportunity announcement closes (at 11:59 pm ET on ), a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted, the information will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your eligibility for Federal employment, and then whether or not you are qualified for this particular position.
If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your responses when compared to your background information, you may be deemed ineligible or your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your skills and abilities. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
Applicants meeting the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements will be referred for selection without ranking, in accordance with applicable veterans' preference requirements. The information you provide may be verified by a review of work experience and/or education, by checking references and through other means (e.g., interview).
Your evaluation may also include a review by a Human Resources Specialist or panel and may include other assessments (e.g., interview, panel review, etc.).
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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The following documents are ACCEPTED for this vacancy:
Cover Letter
DD-214
Transcript and Proof of 2018 Spring Enrollment
Other Veterans Document
Resume
SF-15
SF-50
Transcript
"Accepted" means that you will have the opportunity to submit these documents if they are applicable to you. Such documents include Veteran Preference or other special eligibility documentation, transcripts, or other optional documentation that helps us determine your eligibility. The above list of documents may not apply to some applicants.
The following documents are REQUIRED for this vacancy:
Transcript and Proof of 2018 Spring Enrollment
Resume
"Required" indicates that the above documents are required to determine your qualification for this vacancy. These documents are collected from ALL applicants and failing to provide any of these documents may result in your application being deemed incomplete or not qualified. Pay close attention to the list above to ensure you are providing all of the documentation we need to consider your application.
Veterans: veteran eligibility documentation (DD-214 Member #4 Copy, VA Letter, Standard Form (SF) 15 as applicable). Please note: If you are a veteran who has not yet been discharged, you may provide a statement of intent to discharge from your agency to receive Veterans Preference under the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Your Résumé - You are encouraged to use the USAJobs online resume builder to ensure that all required information is in your resume. If you use your own résumé, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that include beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed.
Current transcripts (Official transcript is required upon selection.)
Proof of current enrollment or letter from your educational institution that reflects (1) the degree/diploma program in which you are enrolled; (2) you are enrolled on at least a half-time basis; and (3) your anticipated graduation date.
Veterans preference documentation (DD-214 - member 2 or 4 copy or other copies that indicate character of discharge or equivalent, SF-15 and VA Letter as appropriate) (if applicable)
SF-50 (Notification of Personnel action) (If applicable)
For Sample letter: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/WorkingatFDA/UCM276860.pdf. For Résumé and Application Tips visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Tips.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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 positions with the Food & Drug Administration, you must have a USAJOBS account and be signed in to that account when you click "Apply Online". Additionally, you must provide a resume, any required supporting documentation listed on the announcement, and you must complete all assessment questionnaires BEFORE 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement, 04/06/2018. We recommend that you start the application process early enough that you can complete and submit your application before this deadline.
Please note that you cannot submit documentation or make changes to your application after the deadline, and in most cases, only experience and education obtained by this date will be considered.
If you would like to learn how to use USAJOBS including: accessing and managing your account, adding saved documents, building a resume, or starting an application; we recommend you visit the USAJOBS How To site, and read up on any topic that you need help with. This site is located at: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/. Additionally, if you need technical assistance with USAJOBS (such as account issues) please visit the main USAJOBS Help site at: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/.
The Food & Drug Administration uses a system called Application Manager (USA Staffing) to post jobs and accept applications. If you are unfamiliar with Application Manager, and you encounter any difficulty with the site, we recommend that you first consult the Applicant Help Site at: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Applicant. This help site contains step-by-step instructions for completing the application process, submitting documentation, and completing questionnaires, and should be very helpful to you!
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. The FDA will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities who are not able to apply online. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the Applicant Help Desk. Decisions on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
If after reviewing the USAJOBS and Application Manager help sites, you're not able to find the answer to your question or concern, or if you wish to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the FDA Applicant Help Desk at 888-478-4340, or e-mail QuickQuestions@fda.gov.
The Applicant Help Desk is staffed between the hours of 7am and 6pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except for government holidays.
If you contact the Applicant Help Desk, please provide the following Vacancy Identification Number (VIN) 10159630 so that we may assist you faster.
FDA Office of Operations
10903 New Hampshire Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20993
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We strive to make selections within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement (04/06/2018). You will receive application status updates via email or by mail, if no email address was provided by you during the application process, once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are ACCEPTED for this vacancy:
Cover Letter
DD-214
Transcript and Proof of 2018 Spring Enrollment
Other Veterans Document
Resume
SF-15
SF-50
Transcript
"Accepted" means that you will have the opportunity to submit these documents if they are applicable to you. Such documents include Veteran Preference or other special eligibility documentation, transcripts, or other optional documentation that helps us determine your eligibility. The above list of documents may not apply to some applicants.
The following documents are REQUIRED for this vacancy:
Transcript and Proof of 2018 Spring Enrollment
Resume
"Required" indicates that the above documents are required to determine your qualification for this vacancy. These documents are collected from ALL applicants and failing to provide any of these documents may result in your application being deemed incomplete or not qualified. Pay close attention to the list above to ensure you are providing all of the documentation we need to consider your application.
Veterans: veteran eligibility documentation (DD-214 Member #4 Copy, VA Letter, Standard Form (SF) 15 as applicable). Please note: If you are a veteran who has not yet been discharged, you may provide a statement of intent to discharge from your agency to receive Veterans Preference under the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Your Résumé - You are encouraged to use the USAJobs online resume builder to ensure that all required information is in your resume. If you use your own résumé, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that include beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed.
Current transcripts (Official transcript is required upon selection.)
Proof of current enrollment or letter from your educational institution that reflects (1) the degree/diploma program in which you are enrolled; (2) you are enrolled on at least a half-time basis; and (3) your anticipated graduation date.
Veterans preference documentation (DD-214 - member 2 or 4 copy or other copies that indicate character of discharge or equivalent, SF-15 and VA Letter as appropriate) (if applicable)
SF-50 (Notification of Personnel action) (If applicable)
For Sample letter: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/WorkingatFDA/UCM276860.pdf. For Résumé and Application Tips visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Tips.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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 positions with the Food & Drug Administration, you must have a USAJOBS account and be signed in to that account when you click "Apply Online". Additionally, you must provide a resume, any required supporting documentation listed on the announcement, and you must complete all assessment questionnaires BEFORE 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement, 04/06/2018. We recommend that you start the application process early enough that you can complete and submit your application before this deadline.
Please note that you cannot submit documentation or make changes to your application after the deadline, and in most cases, only experience and education obtained by this date will be considered.
If you would like to learn how to use USAJOBS including: accessing and managing your account, adding saved documents, building a resume, or starting an application; we recommend you visit the USAJOBS How To site, and read up on any topic that you need help with. This site is located at: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/. Additionally, if you need technical assistance with USAJOBS (such as account issues) please visit the main USAJOBS Help site at: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/.
The Food & Drug Administration uses a system called Application Manager (USA Staffing) to post jobs and accept applications. If you are unfamiliar with Application Manager, and you encounter any difficulty with the site, we recommend that you first consult the Applicant Help Site at: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Applicant. This help site contains step-by-step instructions for completing the application process, submitting documentation, and completing questionnaires, and should be very helpful to you!
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. The FDA will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities who are not able to apply online. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the Applicant Help Desk. Decisions on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
If after reviewing the USAJOBS and Application Manager help sites, you're not able to find the answer to your question or concern, or if you wish to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the FDA Applicant Help Desk at 888-478-4340, or e-mail QuickQuestions@fda.gov.
The Applicant Help Desk is staffed between the hours of 7am and 6pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except for government holidays.
If you contact the Applicant Help Desk, please provide the following Vacancy Identification Number (VIN) 10159630 so that we may assist you faster.
FDA Office of Operations
10903 New Hampshire Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20993
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We strive to make selections within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement (04/06/2018). You will receive application status updates via email or by mail, if no email address was provided by you during the application process, once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.