Job Vacancy Announcement – Health Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer), Division of Extramural Activities

Bethesda, MD        ·       Full time

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Division of Extramural Activities (DEA)
Health Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer)

Position Overview

The NIMH is seeking superior candidates for the position of Health Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer) within the Extramural Review Branch in the Division of Extramural Activities (DEA). The Extramural Review Branch is responsible for the initial scientific and technical merit review of grant applications and contract proposals submitted to NIMH. This first level of review is carried out by a Scientific Review Group (SRG, or study section) composed primarily of non-federal scientists who have expertise in relevant scientific disciplines and current research areas. Each SRG is led by a Scientific Review Officer (SRO).

The SRO is an extramural staff scientist and the Designated Federal Official responsible for ensuring that each application or contract proposal receives an objective and fair technical and scientific peer review, and that all applicable laws, regulations, and policies are followed. The SRO will primarily manage the peer review of grant applications that address NIMH-specific needs, including research grants (e.g., R01, R21, R33, R34, R61), cooperative agreements (e.g., U01, U19), center grants (P30, P50), research career awards (Ks), fellowships (F32), and institutional training grants (T32), in response to NIMH-initiated RFAs and PARs. These reviews will be conducted by convened Special Emphasis Panel review meetings for which groups of reviewers with specific expertise are invited to evaluate groups of applications.

The SRO will conduct initial planning for scientific peer review, including working with NIMH Program Staff in the development of funding opportunity announcements (FOA) and maintain the core values of peer review (expert assessment, transparency, impartiality, fairness, confidentiality, integrity, and efficiency). The SRO will also be responsible for coordinating instructional pre-review meeting teleconferences with reviewers, formulating and guiding peer review strategies for new or unusual FOAs, and reviewing activities with the Office of Committee Management and Grants Management and may participate in outreach efforts for the community.

Qualifications

Applicants must be U.S. citizens.  Competitive candidates will possess a doctoral degree and have postdoctoral research experience in areas relevant to mental health or a closely related field. Candidates will be considered with expertise in areas relevant to the treatment of mental health (clinical interventions, including psychosocial, pharmacological, and device-based approaches), and in the delivery of mental health services (e.g., dissemination and implementation research, treatment engagement, services utilization, etc.). In addition, expertise in the areas of health disparities, global mental health research, or other related fields will also be considered.

How to Apply

For medical and scientific specialties, qualification requirements, evaluation criteria, and application instructions, please view the vacancy announcement at https://jobs.nih.gov/globalrecruitment/. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, including a curriculum vitae to NIMHsearch@mail.nih.gov.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the NIH Federal Resume Tips website for guidance on creating a federal resume.

Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with the experience of the candidate. A full package of federal Civil Service benefits is available, including retirement, health and life insurance, long term care insurance, leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent). The successful candidate is subject to a background investigation and public financial disclosure requirements.

HHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers.

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

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