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Human Resources Specialist

Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
Office of Human Resources (OHR)

Summary

Join our team and help the NIH recruit and retain the next-generation biomedical research workforce. Our organization's vision is to be the best and most valued provider of HR strategies within the federal government. We are looking for HR professionals with the passion and energy to provide HR services in support of NIH mission-critical programs. If you thrive in a fast-paced, and energetic environment, make the change to an organization that will value your drive and commitment.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/03/2026 to 04/07/2026
Salary
$85,447 - $158,322 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 13
Location
Many 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
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
NIH-OHR-MP-26-12922838
Control number
863302100

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

You must be a current or former federal employee eligible to apply under merit promotion procedures or otherwise be eligible as a status applicant (e.g., Veterans Employment Opportunity Act) OR be an individual who is eligible through an OPM interchange agreement or for a non-competitive appointment. This job is also open to USPHS Commissioned Corps Officers and Call-To-Active Duty (CAD) Candidates.

Duties

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This announcement will be used to fill several Human Resources vacancies within the following offices: Client Services Division (CSD), Retirement and Employee Benefits Branch (REBB), Employee and Labor Relations Branch (ELRB), and Division of Senior and Scientific Executive Management (DSSEM).

The Client Services Division (CSD) serves as the first and primary point of contact for NIH managers, supervisors, and employees in the delivery of HR operational services. HR Specialists in CSD work in a dynamic environment providing core HR advice, operational functions and services (in the areas of strategic recruitment, staffing, delegated examining, position classification, and Commissioned Corps) to NIH employees. HR Specialists in CSD interface with staff across all of the other OHR Divisions to provide a full-range of HR operational services to the Institutes and Centers (ICs).

As a Human Resources Specialist in CSD, you will: Provide expert advice, guidance, coordination, and technical services to NIH managers and supervisors on complex and/or controversial human resources issues. This includes services in the following areas: recruitment and placement, position classification, position management, compensation, actions processing, and organizational design.

The Employee and Labor Relations Branch (ELRB) provides client managers, supervisors, and employees with interpretations of Federal and NIH employee relations and labor relations procedures, practices, policies, and guidelines.

As a Human Resources Specialist (ER/LR) in the ELRB, you will: Provide employee relations advice and guidance to management and employees as a technical resource on performance and conduct- based actions and related employee relations program policies and practices. Advise supervisors and managers on employee discipline, adverse actions, performance, complaints/grievances, appeals, attendance and leave issues, employee conduct, as well as general concerns about employee-supervisor relations. Develop and conducts employee relations training and informational programs. Provide strategic labor relations advisory services on organization-wide strategic plans and complex organizational issues.

The Division of Senior and Scientific Executive Management provides support to the NIH executive population, to include Political Appointees, members of the Senior Executive Service, IC Directors, Deputy Directors, Scientific and Clinical Directors, Executive Officers, and all Senior Level Direct Reports to the Director, NIH.

As a Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment) in DSSEM you will: Evaluate complex policies and issues involving all phases of HR programs, such as recruitment, retention, and pay setting. Evaluate staffing trends to assist in developing plans for responding to a changing workforce. Provide senior leaders with guidance on incentives and senior level pay setting. Utilize various HR Systems to recruit senior executives and to interface with other offices. Provide customer service to potential applicants regarding the recruitment process. Classify new position descriptions for senior-level positions.

The Retirement and Employee Benefits Branch (REBB) is responsible for the oversight and management of the Federal retirement and employee benefits programs, providing advisory services on all matters pertaining to employee benefits and entitlements.

As a Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits) in REBB, you will: Provide expert technical policy guidance to NIH leadership and employees on the Federal retirement and benefit programs. Coordinate the annual Benefits Open Season activities that includes a wide range of communications, multiple fairs, and election decisions, administer employee training related to retirements; provide technical guidance on Federal policies and procedures as they pertain to the disbursement of employee benefits and entitlements for employees, retirees and survivors.

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 qualifications requirements within thirty (30) calendar days of the closing date of this announcement, including time in grade.
  • Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
  • 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.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for a Human Resources Specialist, GS-0201 at the GS-11 level, you must have:

A. completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, if related;

OR

B. 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: assisting senior human resources professionals in researching human resources laws, regulations, and policies; assisting senior human resources professionals in analyzing human resources data; providing basic human resources advisory services to managers, employees, and customers; using human resources systems to track, process, and/or manage human resources work.

OR

C. a combination of graduate level education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

In order to qualify for a Human Resources Specialist at the GS-0201-12 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, performing the following types of tasks: providing advice to managers, employees, and customers on human resources program policies, regulations, and practices; collaborating with senior human resource professionals in recommending changes to human resources programs, policies, or procedures; carrying out human resources program services with standardized human resources practices; using human resources systems to track, process, and/or manage human resources work.

In order to qualify for a Human Resources Specialist, GS-0201 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, performing the following types of tasks: providing comprehensive advice to managers, employees, and customers on a wide range of human resources policies, regulations, and practices; recommending to management appropriate human resources actions to resolve problems or issues; developing techniques for new or modified human resources work methods to improve human resources service delivery; implementing cross-organizational initiatives with other human resources and administrative offices to improve service delivery; delivering reports to senior management officials on matters of significance affecting an entire organization (e.g., workforce demographics, retirement projections.)


Preview application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12922838

Education

If you qualify based on education in lieu of specialized experience, 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 packages. 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.
  • PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should apply online to this announcement to receive consideration.
  • Visit Help Applying for helpful information on the application process.
  • Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period.
  • If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us/articles/45424542500371-How-to-request-a-reasonable-accommodation.
  • Veterans' Preference only applies to Schedule A (disability appointment), HHS Reemployment Priority List (RPL) Eligibles, HHS Priority Reemployment List (PRL) Eligibles, and Veterans Recruitment Appointments (if applicable).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities: telework compressed schedules, flexible schedules.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies:

  • Accountability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Influencing/Negotiating
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

The position(s) advertised in this announcement are covered by the agency's Reemployment Priority List (RPL). RPL candidates will be rated, placed into one of the quality categories below, and referred to the hiring office, once veterans' preference is applied.

  • Qualified
  • Well Qualified
  • Best Qualified

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 80 points on the assessment(s) and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and all other requirements.

National Institutes of Health

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the largest biomedical research funding organization in the world. NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers, each with a specific research agenda, often focusing on particular diseases or body systems. NIH employs approximately 18,000 employees in varied occupations, all supporting research efforts that improve health and save lives. For more information on NIH's mission and goals, and its 27 Institutes and Centers, visit the NIH website.

Virtually explore the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Bethesda campus, learn about scientific research, and get to know NIH community members who are working to help people live longer, healthier lives: https://www.nih.gov/virtual-tour/.

The positions are located in the Office of the Director (OD), Office of Human Resources (OHR). For more information, please visit: https://hr.nih.gov/

Agency contact information

America Ortiz
Phone
301-480-1622
Email
ortizae@mail.nih.gov
Address
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
US

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Learn more about what it's like to work at National Institutes of Health, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://hr.nih.gov/working-nih/work-life

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