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Librarian (Biomedical)

Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
Office of Research Services (ORS), Division of Library Services (DLS)
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Join the NIH Library's growing team of biomedical librarians with two new information consultant and library instructor positions for NIH and HHS researchers and policymakers. Specialize in services like scholarly communication, training, and/or evidence synthesis. Collaborate to develop and deliver quality information services to 27 NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices, plus HHS groups working to enhance public health and advance science. View this Introduction to the NIH Library.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
12/20/2024 to 12/27/2024
Salary
$82,764 to - $128,956 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 12
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Montgomery County, MD
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
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
NIH-ORS-DE-25-12639639
Control number
825185700

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National. Foreign nationals or legal permanent residents are not eligible for consideration. This job is also open to USPHS Commissioned Corps Officers and Call-To-Active Duty (CAD) Candidates.

Duties

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If selected for this position as a Librarian (Biomedical), GS-1410-11/12 your duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Serves as an expert information advisor and consultant to NIH and HHS customers.
  • Develops, implements, and promotes educational scholarly communications best practices, and delivers related in-person and virtual instruction, orientations, and workshops.
  • Provides advice, guidance, and consultation in using library products and services to scientists, research administrators, public information specialists, computer scientists, and other staff.
  • Fosters increased awareness of publishing options and author rights, including journal selection, Creative Commons licensing, and types of Open Access Agreements by leading effective consultations.
  • Help researchers build knowledge of all the publishing options and how each choice will affect distribution and rights to their work, promoting equitable, open, scholarly publishing.
  • Prepares literature searches and bibliographies on medical, biological, chemical and allied subjects using bibliographic databases.
  • Monitors trends in scholarly publishing, such as open-access, preprints, Artificial Intelligence, and copyright, and shares knowledge with library colleagues and researchers.
  • Researches and provides customers with information regarding biomedical and health inquiries and conducts advanced research consultation services that may support the production of evidence synthesis projects.
  • Develops customized training and instruction for various user groups at NIH and HHS.
  • If you are selected at the GS-9, or GS-11, you will essentially perform the same duties as those described above, however, duties are less complex and will be performed under closer supervision with more detailed guidance.

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 a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
  • Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
  • Position requires Education.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for a Librarian (Biomedical), GS-1410 position you must meet the Basic Education Requirement:
A. Completed one (1) full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completion of all work required for a bachelor's degree.
OR
B. Have a total of at least five (5) years of a combination of college-level education, training, and experience. To qualify on this basis, you much establish conclusively that the education, training, and experience provided a knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles, and techniques of professional librarianship; knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.

In addition to the above basic requirements, to qualify for a Librarian (Biomedical) position at the GS-11 level, you must have:
A. (1) One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following types of tasks: (1) providing library reference and research support in locating, cataloging, classifying and selecting specialized information for use by researchers; (2) participating in identifying, developing and recommending policies, programs and methods to improve library efficiency; and (3) assisting with the design and implementation of search and retrieval systems for library databases, websites or other library information systems.
OR
B. 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field.
OR
C. A combination of post baccalaureate education above the master's level in a related field, and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

In addition to the above basic requirements, to qualify for a Librarian (Biomedical) position at the GS-12 level, you must have:
A. (1) One year of specialized year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following types of tasks: (1) providing direct library reference and research services in a specialized research library; (2) developing new approaches and methods for information and communication services for a library; (3) using specialized software (such as EndNote, Covidence, R, Python, etc.) to respond to data calls including analyzing publications or networks for a biomedical or scientific research library; and (4) providing tailored instruction on systematic reviews, scholarly publishing, data management and the use of print and electronic biomedical resources.

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.

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.

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. 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 purposes at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12639639

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

  • A one-year probationary period may be required upon selection/placement.
  • 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.
  • PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should apply online to this announcement to receive consideration.
  • 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.
  • We may make additional selections for similar positions within the commuting area(s) of the locations listed through this vacancy announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s). Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions.
  • 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.
  • Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • 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. Skill in researching information resources to support user needs.
  • 2. Knowledge of major library functions.
  • 3. Ability to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of library operations.
  • 4. Knowledge of library systems, technology, databases, and software.


If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, your application and responses to the online questionnaire will be evaluated under Category Rating and selection procedures for placement in one of the following categories:
  • Best Qualified - for those who are superior in the evaluation criteria
  • Well Qualified - for those who excel in the evaluation criteria
  • Qualified - for those who only meet the minimum qualification requirements
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Applicants determined to be Best Qualified will be referred for further consideration. Preference eligibles in the Best Qualified category are referred before all other applicants.

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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