Biologist Scientist Administrator (Program Officer/Scientific Review Officer) Job

Vacancy No. NIH-SR-DH-12635932 Department National Institutes of Health
Salary $86,962.00 to $191,900.00 Grade 12 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/11/2024 Close Date 12/20/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Montgomery County, MDNIH - US Locations


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 the website for the Office of Extramural Research.

This job is open to

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.

Duties

This announcement will be used to fill the following positions within the NIH:As a Biologist Scientist Administrator (Program Officer), you will perform the following tasks:

  • Perform scientific and administrative reviews and analyses of applications/proposals from a programmatic viewpoint.
  • Consult with and advise grantees/contractors during preparation of applications/proposals and provide guidance on program issues.
  • Develop, coordinate and administer grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts established to fulfill the mission of the Branch and Division.
  • Visit universities, research institutions, commercial organizations, other government agencies, entrepreneur/innovation centers, and public and private organizations to promote and explain the objectives of the program.
As a Biologist Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer), you will perform the following tasks:
  • Provide policy direction and coordination for the planning and execution of initial scientific and technical review conducted within the Institute or Center.
  • Utilize scientific knowledge and expertise to perform a variety of management functions associated with the scientific peer review of IC research, research training support activities and other contract activities.
  • Manage 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.
  • Appoint and manage review panels, including the identification of qualified reviewers to evaluate all applications and proposals and make any recommendations from IC and NIH program officials, to assemble a balanced group of experts and consultants.
  • Act 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.

If you are selected at the GS-12 or GS-13 levels, you will essentially perform the same duties as those at the full performance level described above, however, duties are less complex and will be performed under closer supervision with more detailed guidance.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • 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.
  • Remote employees must adhere to all requirements at NIH and in the federal government, including the signing and recertifying of a remote work agreement, and completion of any training. Remote employees may be required to report to an NIH physical location to complete onboarding requirements and while employed at certain times based on agency need. Visit our Remote Work page for information.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The position has a positive education requirement. Please provide transcripts.
  • You may 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.

Qualifications

To qualify for a Biologist (Program Officer/Scientific Review Officer), GS-0401 position, you must have:
A. Completed the requirements for a bachelor's (or graduate) degree in a biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to this position, from an accredited college or university, OR
B. A combination of experience and education which includes courses comparable to a major in a biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to this position, AND have appropriate experience or additional education which demonstrates similarly appropriate skills or abilities needed to perform the duties of this position.

In addition, in order to qualify at the GS-12 level, you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to 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:

Direct/Independent Research Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet all experience requirements in this section:
  • independent health-related research, as evidenced by the development of health-related biological sciences 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). OR
Research Administration/Extramural Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet all experience requirements in this section:
  • reviewed grant applications, contract proposals, or other research-related works and materials for compliance with requirements and appropriateness;
  • applied scientific knowledge to place the proposed health-related biological sciences research project in its relation to the current state of research being done in the subject matter area and the organization's priorities; and
  • responded to issues and concerns about specific applications or proposals pertaining to assigned program areas.
In addition, in order to qualify at the GS-13 level, you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 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:

Direct/Independent Research Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet all experience requirements in this section.
  • management of independent health-related biological sciences research projects (e.g., R01 grant, R01 equivalent grant or contract, or comparable project) with a defined budget and staff;
  • supervised or led graduate researchers/technicians;
  • served as primary or corresponding author on publications in refereed journals, presenting published work to scientific organizations, and/or teaching graduate-level courses in biological sciences or health-related disciplines; and
  • served 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 OR

Research Administration/Extramural Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet at least three (3) experience requirements in this section.
  • summarized the results of the scientific or technical merit review of grant applications or contract proposals;
  • assessed the scientific and/or technical progress of awarded grants and/or contracts to determine effectiveness of support and achievement of objectives;
  • evaluated assigned program portfolios to identify new concepts, programs, or initiatives to support program planning and administrative functioning in relation to an organization's priorities;
  • formulated and developed new Funding Opportunity Announcements or Program Announcements (e.g., RFAs, RFPs, or a combination of these) to achieve objectives;
  • administered the review of grant applications, contract proposals, health related biological sciences research project applications or research reports submitted in response to requests for applications, multicenter clinical trial applications, and contract proposals.
In addition, in order to qualify at the GS-14 level, you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to 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:

Direct/Independent Research Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet all experience requirements in this section:
  • directing at least two health-related biological sciences 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;
  • coordinating committee and teaching activities and organizing and presenting sessions at national scientific meetings/conferences; and
  • serving 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 OR

Research Administration/Extramural Qualifying Experience -Applicants must meet at least three (3) requirements in this section:
  • organized 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;
  • evaluated program activities for a portfolio of health-related biological sciences 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;
  • recommended funding plans for initiatives and/or establish the criteria and standards for a review panel;
  • managed the initial scientific and administrative review of grant applications and/or center grants, program project grants, and training grant applications;
  • appointed and managed review panels to include identifying qualified expert Reviewers;
  • established the evaluation criteria used to assess all applications and proposals.
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.

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.

Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12635932

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.
  • A one-year probationary period may be required upon selection/placement.
  • PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should also apply online to this announcement in order to receive consideration.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) pay systems and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment.

Benefits

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.

Review our 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.

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.

The position(s) advertised in this announcement are covered by a direct hire authority. Traditional rating and ranking of applicants, including category rating, does not apply to this vacancy. You will be initially evaluated against the basic qualifications only. Qualified applicants will be referred for consideration in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management direct hire guidelines. Veterans' Preference does not apply to positions covered by a direct hire authority.

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 and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and all other requirements.

Required Documents

REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICANTS

RESUME:
Your resume must thoroughly describe how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. We cannot assume you have performed the necessary experience required for this position regardless of your employment history or academic career.

To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, you must ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position:

  1. Job title
  2. Name of employer
  3. Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format)
  4. Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
  5. Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable)
  6. Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position)
If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you must list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume.

Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.

For resume writing guidance, please visit the following resources: NIH Jobs website, USAJOBS Resource Center, and the USAJOBS Resume Writing Video Tutorial.

ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE:
You must submit a completed assessment questionnaire.

Unless otherwise stated, we will only use the information above to determine your qualifications. Not providing the required information may result in a determination that you do not meet minimum requirements for the position (e.g., an ineligible rating) or a lower rating.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR CAREER TRANSITION CLAIMS
Visit our websites to claim selection priority through the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you do not provide the required information, we will assume you are not eligible or you do not wish to be considered for any preference or eligibility.

Please do not submit any other supplementary documentation that is not requested of you. To protect your personal information, we will only send your resume and cover letter to the selecting official or hiring manager.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please read and follow all instructions in this announcement, complete the online application, and submit the documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) on 12/20/2024 to receive consideration.

  1. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply.
  2. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. See the "Required Documents" section for any additional forms and/or supplemental materials required.
  3. Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly to any Eligibility you wish to claim. You will only be considered for those Eligibility questions (Status Applicant, Reinstatement, Schedule A, etc.) you respond in the affirmative to, regardless of what documentation you submit. We cannot assume you intended to respond differently to a question based on other information in your application package.
  4. Complete the assessment questionnaire. Applicants are asked all questions regardless of their consideration preferences. We will only consider you for the grades, series, locations, specialties, and other considerations that you self-identify as being qualified for or interested in. Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12635932
  5. Verify all required documentation is included in your application package, review your responses to the assessment questionnaire for accuracy, and then submit your application.
In addition to the required documents, we encourage you to submit a cover letter, copy of your transcripts, and any applicable certifications or licenses. Even though this information is not required at the time of application, we may request this information later.

We cannot assume responsibility or grant extensions for personal issues (e.g., troubles navigating the application process, loss of internet, not understanding a question) when applying to our announcements. For technical difficulties, contact HR Systems Support between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM ET Monday through Friday at hrss@nih.gov.

If you need any other accommodation or assistance with applying, please contact Shauntell Embrack at embracks@mail.nih.gov. Requests for reasonable accommodations must be made before the announcement closing date.

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Visit the NIH's Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion site for information on NIH's EEO program, Reasonable accommodation procedures, laws, policy statements, and the operation of the EEO complaint process.

Agency contact information

Shauntell Embrack
Address
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

Once you submit your application package, you will receive an acknowledgement email. You will be notified of the status of your applications via email. In addition, you can track the progress of your application package through your USAJOBS account.

At the discretion of the agency, you may be contacted via phone or email for an interview or to provide additional information up to several months from the closing date of the announcement. Please ensure you have provided accurate contact information. To remain in consideration, you must respond in a timely manner to our correspondence and requests for documentation or information throughout the hiring process.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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