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Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review and Program Officer)

Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
This job announcement has closed

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: Office of Extramural Research.

Visit our Scientist Administrator web pagefor more information.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
11/18/2024 to 11/27/2024
Salary
$86,962 to - $191,900 per year

Salary displayed is the absolute minimum and maximum allowed. Pay will be set using the appropriate locality upon selection.

Pay scale & grade
GS 12 - 14
Locations
Many vacancies in the following locations:
Montgomery County, MD
NIH - US Locations
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. NIA has the ability to pay relocation expenses.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
14
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)
Trust determination process
Announcement number
NIH-GR-MP-25-12605626
Control number
819183400

Duties

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As a Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer), you will take on a challenging, rewarding role with a direct opportunity to advance the mission of the NIH through stimulating, planning, advising, directing, and evaluating program activities for a portfolio of research projects and programs.

  • Serving as a Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (SRO) with responsibility in providing policy direction and coordination for the planning and execution of initial scientific and technical review.
  • Utilizing scientific knowledge and expertise to perform a variety of management functions associated with the scientific peer review of research and research training support activities and other contract activities.
  • Managing 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.
  • Appointing and managing review panels, including the identification of reviewers to evaluate all applications and proposals, to assemble a balanced group of experts and consultants.
  • Establishing the criteria and standards for the review panel to follow based upon expert knowledge of the relevant scientific fields, program review policies and procedures.
  • Providing information to the consultants on each committee assembled as a basis for reviewing and evaluating grant applications, contract proposals; collects and provides essential information for committee members.
  • Preparing summary statements of review committee findings and recommendations for use by the advisory committee; attends committee meeting and responds to impromptu questions related to the review of the assigned application.
  • Acting 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.
As a Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (Program Officer), you will take on a challenging, rewarding role with a direct opportunity to advance the mission of the NIH through providing 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 your assigned area.
  • Providing technical leadership and guidance in a major subject-matter area while coordinating the review activities of the Office of Extramural Research Grants Review Committee and Special Emphasis Panels.
  • Evaluating the availability and level of resources that can be applied to program area needs and stimulating interest in projects and special activities through communication with the social science community.
  • Identifying opportunities and problem areas, research gaps and relevant program needs and making recommendations to the Branch Chief.
  • Organizing and conducting discussions with social science and/or behavioral researchers concerning an overall agenda for the assigned program area.
  • Providing suggested recommendations concerning program direction, priorities and funding levels for areas of responsibility.
  • Performing scientific and administrative reviews and analyzing of applications/proposals from a programmatic viewpoint.
  • Preparing information for and attending advisory/review committee/panel meetings and responds to issues and concerns about specific applications/proposals pertaining to assigned program area.
  • Consulting with and advising grantees/contractors during preparation of applications/proposals and provides guidance on program issues.
  • Collaborating with other Branch and Division staff and NIH staff offices, as required.
  • Organizing and conducting workshops, conferences, symposia or similar activities to foster the aims of the Branch and the Division.
  • Visiting universities, research institutions, commercial organizations, other Government agencies, and public and private organizations.
  • Facilitating communication and collaborative efforts with other Institute components, other ICs, and other DHHS agencies in assigned area of responsibility.
Any misrepresentation or material omission of facts may be sufficient cause to end further consideration of your candidacy. Persons listed as knowing your past accomplishments or experience in your application may be contacted for verification at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

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: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/oer.htm

Requirements

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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.
  • Position requires Education. Please submit transcripts.
  • 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.
  • At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities: telework, compressed schedules, flexible schedules.
  • 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.
  • Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should apply online to this announcement to receive consideration.
  • Veterans' Preference applies only to Schedule A (disability appointment) and Veterans Recruitment Appointments (if applicable).
  • The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:Applicants for all grades must meet the requirements described in paragraphs A, B or C below:

A. have a bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree in the behavioral or social sciences, or related disciplines appropriate to this position. OR

B. have a combination of education and experience that provided you with the knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. OR

C. have four years of appropriate experience demonstrating that you have acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. AND

GS-12: In addition to the education requirements to qualify at the GS-12 level, you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector. This experience must meet either the Direct/Independent Research or the Research Administration/Extramural sections below.

A. Direct/Independent Research Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet all experience requirements in this section:

  • independent health-related research, as evidenced by the development of research projects that are competitively or internally funded;
  • primary authorship of one of the following: a) internal (i.e., within the company or organization) research report, b) patent, or c) research publication in peer reviewed journal; and
  • responsibility for significant aspects of a laboratory/research unit (e.g., establishing processes and procedures, ensuring regulatory/legal compliance, monitoring budgets).
Typical qualifying positions include Instructor, Assistant Professor, Adjunct Professor, Staff Fellow, Senior Staff Fellow, Research Associate, and Research Scientist.

B. Research Administration/Extramural Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet all experience requirements in this section:
  • review grant applications, contract proposals, or other research-related works and materials for compliance with requirements and appropriateness;
  • apply scientific knowledge to place the proposed research project in its relation to the current state of research being done in the subject matter area and the organization's priorities; and
  • respond to issues and concerns about specific applications or proposals pertaining to assigned program areas.
GS-13: In addition to the education requirements, to qualify at the GS-13 level, you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector. This experience must meet either theDirect/Independent Research orthe Research Administration/Extramural sections below.

A. Direct/Independent Research Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet all experience requirements in this section:
  • manage independent health-related research projects (e.g., R01 grant, R01 equivalent grant or contract, or comparable project) with a defined budget and staff
  • supervise or led graduate researchers/technicians;
  • serve as primary or corresponding author on publications in refereed journals, presenting published work to scientific organizations, and/or teaching graduate-level courses in biomedical or health-related disciplines; and
  • serve as a reviewer on peer-reviewed panels or journals.
Typical qualifying positions include principal investigator (or equivalent), Assistant or Associate Professor, Project Manager, Senior Research Scientist, Section Chief.

B. Research Administration/Extramural Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet at least three (3) experience requirements in this section:
  • summarize the results of the scientific or technical merit review of grant applications or contract proposals;
  • assess the scientific and/or technical progress of awarded grants and/or contracts to determine the effectiveness of support and achievement of objectives;
  • evaluate assigned program portfolios to identify new concepts, programs, or initiatives to support program planning and administrative functioning in relation to an organization's priorities;
  • formulate and develop new Funding Opportunity Announcements or Program Announcements (e.g., RFAs, RFPs, or a combination of these) to achieve objectives;
  • administer the review of grant applications, contract proposals, research project applications or research reports submitted in response to requests for applications, multicenter clinical trial applications, and contract proposals.
GS-14: In addition to the education requirements, to qualify at the GS-14 level, you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector. This experience must meet either the Direct/Independent Research or the Research Administration/Extramural sections below:
A. Direct/Independent Research Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet all experience requirements in this section:
  • direct at least two health-related research projects (e.g., R01 grant, R01 equivalent grant or contract, or comparable project) with separate staff and budgets;
  • experience demonstrating extensive scientific expertise by providing leadership, guidance, and direction to researchers;
  • coordinate committee and teaching activities and organized and presented sessions at national scientific meetings/conferences; and
  • serve as an appointed member of a scientific peer review panel or editorial board, or similar private sector leadership position.
Typical qualifying positions include principal investigator (or equivalent), Associate Professor, Professor, Project Manager, Senior Research Scientist, Section Chief.
B. Research Administration/Extramural Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet at least three (3) experience requirements in this section:
  • organize and conducted 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;
  • evaluate program activities for a portfolio of research projects, research programs, other grants/awards, cooperative agreements, and/or contracts in the assigned program area to support an organization's program planning and priority setting;
  • recommend funding plans for initiatives and/or establish the criteria and standards for a review panel;
  • manage the initial scientific and administrative review of grant applications and/or center grant, program project grant, and training grant applications;
  • appoint and manage review panels to include identifying qualified expert Reviewers;
  • establish the evaluation criteria used to assess all applications and proposals.

Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

You will receive credit for all experience material to the position, including experience gained in religious, civic, welfare, service, and organizational activities, regardless of whether you received pay. 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 with 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.

Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12605626

Education

This position has an education requirement. 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

  • 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.
  • At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities: [telework (work from home on a regular basis or ad hoc basis but reports to the office at least once a week/two days a pay period), compressed schedules, flexible schedules].At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities: [telework (work from home on a regular basis or ad hoc basis but reports to the office at least once a week/two days a pay period), compressed schedules, flexible schedules].
  • 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.
  • A current federal government employee may receive a relocation incentive if moving from a different geographic location. Recipients will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on organizational need, specific case justification, and budget limitations.
  • Some positions in this announcement are eligible for remote work. Please select the "NIH US Locations" location when applying if you wish to be considered for remote work. All other location(s) are not eligible for remote work. Remote is a position designation where little to no onsite presence is required (e.g., once or twice annually). You may work anywhere in the U.S., including any of the territories. Worksites outside of the U.S. are prohibited. Your pay is determined by the geographically defined pay locality applicable to your approved worksite (e.g., home residence). Reporting to an NIH location may also be required during the onboarding process. Visit NIH's Remote Work page for more information and requirements.
  • 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.html.
  • Visit our Applicant FAQs page for helpful information on the application process.
  • Visit our Total Compensation page and this sample for a detailed look into the benefits, awards, leave, retirement, and other incentives employees may receive as part of a rewarding work environment.

How you will be evaluated

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

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • 1. Knowledge of the principles, practices and theories applicable to behavioral or social science research.
  • 2. Knowledge of policies, procedures, rules, and regulations related to management and review of grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements.
  • 3. Ability to communicate complex scientific topics.
  • 4. Skill in providing leadership to others.


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 be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must be able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry and 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.

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