Health Scientist Job

Vacancy No. HHS-CDC-IMP-24-12408449 Department Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Salary $87,466.00 to $142,065.00 Grade 13 to 14
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/1/2024 Close Date 2/28/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
AfghanistanAlgeriaAngolaArgentina


Summary

As a global leader in public health & health promotion, CDC is the agency Americans trust with their lives. In addition to our everyday work, each CDC employee has a role in supporting public health emergency management, whether through temporary assignments to emergency responses or sustaining other CDC programs and activities while colleagues respond. Join our team to use your talent, training, & passion to help CDC continue as the world's premier public health organization. Visit www.cdc.gov

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to current HHS employees on a career or career-conditional appointment and active-duty Public Health Service (PHS) officers and Call-To-Active Duty (CAD) Candidates.

Duties

As an Health Scientist you will:

  • Serve as a recognized agency authority or consultant for health programs and conducts scientific research to develop a national system(s) to monitor public health capacity and performance overseas.
  • Identify and analyze public health issues and their impact on scientific operations that are critical to the public health community at large.
  • Analyze epidemiologic investigation data utilizing new methodologies or existing techniques that have been extensively revised.
  • Conduct major statistical studies or continuing projects that represent an important segment of the center's primary investigative program.
  • Collaborate on projects/studies and coordinate efforts, as appropriate, with other program staff, other CDC Centers, other federal agencies, state, local and international health agencies, and private and non-private organizations.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Due to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) process enhancement to use Shared Certificates throughout the Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), some of the requirements below may differ:

  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov).
  • May be subject to a Background/Investigation.
  • May be required to obtain a Secret or Top-Secret Clearance.
  • CDC participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). If selected, CDC will determine your employment eligibility using your social security number.
  • Direct deposit is required.
  • One-year probationary period may be required.
  • Time in grade (TIG) must be met within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.
  • Code 4 Supervisory positions may be filled using this announcement.
  • This position may be subject to the OGE Financial Disclosure requirements of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-521). CDC inspires public confidence in its trust responsibilities and mission by maintaining high ethical principles. If selected, 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. If identified, this will be an annual requirement.
  • In accordance with Executive Order 12564 of September 14, 1986, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is A Drug-Free Federal Workplace. This position may require a Drug Test and be subject to Random Drug Testing. The position may require the submission of a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and be subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing upon hiring. If required to submit to urinalysis, the appointment to the position will be contingent upon a negative test result.

Qualifications

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (external link) at the time the degree was obtained.

In addition to meeting the basic qualification requirements, applicants must meet the specialized experience as stated below:

Minimum Qualifications:

GS-13: Applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) to successfully perform the duties of the position to include experience planning, conducting, and analyzing scientific studies or surveys related to public health programs.

GS-14: Applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) to successfully perform the duties of the position to include experience providing scientific leadership in formulating, developing, implementing and evaluating scientific studies or surveys related to public health programs.

CTAP/ICTAP must meet all of the requirements outlined in the qualification section of this announcement in order to be considered "well qualified".

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Documenting Federal Experience: In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have gained experience by performing duties and responsibilities appropriate for their official series and grade level as described in their position description. Experience that would not normally be part of the employee's position is creditable, however, when documented by satisfactory evidence, such as a signed memorandum from the employee's supervisor or an SF-50 or SF-52 documenting an official detail or other official assignment. The documentation must indicate whether the duties were performed full time or, if part time, the percentage of times the other duties were performed. It is expected that this documentation is included in the employee's official personnel record. In order to receive credit for experience in your resume that is not within the official series and grade level of your official position, you must provide a copy of the appropriate documentation of such experience as indicated above.

Education

A copy of your transcripts or equivalent documentation is required for positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying based on education or a combination of education and experience. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.

A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For more information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Initial assignment may be to a designated domestic location until all overseas credentials and requirements have been completed. This may include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling.

Selectees will temporarily remain in a different location, whether domestic or international, from the specific advertised position location while completing the required training, security and medical clearances.

Once cleared, the selectee will relocate to the overseas location for up to but Not to Exceed (NTE) two to three years/HHS tours for a max of 6 consecutive years in one designated location as determined by the selecting official. Any extensions beyond the max years will be approved by the HHS Office of Global Affairs for the max of 10 years.

Note: There is a max of 4 years on a single term appointment.

Incentives may include:

Overseas Assignments:
  • Immunizations are required and will be administered by the CDC before relocating overseas.
  • Selectee will need to obtain security and medical clearances before being cleared to report to the overseas duty station. Continued employment will be subject to submission of all documentation necessary to obtain the medical and security clearances (including documentation for any accompanying dependents), within thirty (30) business days and obtaining the security clearance within six (6) months of the initial appointment. Please note the inability to secure the clearances necessary for overseas duty will result in termination of the appointment to the position.
  • Entitled to comparability pay once deployed to overseas location.
  • Eligible for special pay allowances per location (e.g., post differential, housing, relocation, etc.).
  • Citizens or permanent residents of the host country are not eligible to be considered.
  • Important Note for Applicants Outside of CDC: Other current permanent status HHS or other agency employees will be hired on a term appointment. There are no statutory return rights. Subsequent employment for CDC positions must be through the appropriate competitive process or special employment program hiring authorities.
  • You will be required to sign a Statement of Understanding.
  • Additional information on living and traveling abroad may be found at http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?ontent_id=184&menu_id=78

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 utilization of shared certificates within multiple Centers of the Center of Disease Control and Prevention and the ATSDR may be used from this vacancy announcement.

Once the application process is complete, a review of the resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

Your qualifications will be evaluated and rated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • Ability to conduct scientific studies using innovative methodologies and technologies
  • Ability to provide direction and guidance for scientific studies.
  • Skill in oral communication.
  • Skill in written communication.


The Federal government, as the largest employer in the Nation, can and should show the way towards achieving drug-free workplaces through programs designed to offer drug users a helping hand, and at the same time demonstrating to drug users and potential drug users that drugs will not be tolerated in the Federal workplace if declared a drug-testing position. The use of illegal drugs, on or off duty, by Federal employees is inconsistent not only with the law-abiding behavior expected of all citizens, but also with the special trust placed in such employees as servants of the public.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Resume - Your resume showing name, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (month/year) of employment and duties performed. (If you are a current or former Federal employee provide your pay plan, series and grade in your resume, i.e., GS-0301-9).
Do not include the following types of information in your profile or resume:

  • Classified or government sensitive information
  • Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Photos of yourself
  • Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
  • Encrypted and digitally signed documents
2. Veterans' Preference (If Applicable) - If claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 copy), or other official documentation from a branch of the Armed Forces or the Department of Veterans Affairs showing dates of service and type of discharge. Ten-point preference eligibles must also submit an Application for 10-point Veteran Preference, SF-15, along with the required documentation listed on the back of the SF-15 form. For more information on veterans' preference view FedsHireVets

3. Transcripts (REQUIRED) - You may submit an unofficial transcript with your application package. An official transcript from an accredited educational institution is required if you are selected for the position.

4. Current Federal Employees Documentation (If Applicable) - You MUST submit the following:
  • A copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent personnel action form which shows your current grade and service status. (The "position occupied" block 34 on the SF-50 reflects "1" or "2" and your "tenure" block 24 "1" or "2".)
  • If you are applying for a higher grade, you MUST provide an SF-50(s) (or equivalent) which clearly demonstrates you meet the 52-week time-in-grade requirement (e.g., Promotion with an effective date more than one (1) year, Within-Grade-Increase at the highest grade held).
5. Other supporting documents:
  • Cover Letter, optional
  • Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal).
PHS Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps may apply through this announcement. Candidates will be referred as Commissioned Corps personnel and not as candidates for conversion to a permanent career or career-conditional appointment.
  • Submit your latest Personnel Order (PHS-7063) as an USPHS Active Duty Commissioned Officer
Current or Former Political Appointees: Agencies must seek prior approval from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service. Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

For Resume and Application Tips visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Tips.

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 Remain An Active Duty USPHS Commissioned Corps Officer

  • Join highly qualified public health professionals as part of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps. Overseen by the?U.S. Surgeon General, the USPHS Commissioned Corps is one of eight uniformed services -and the only one dedicated solely to protecting, promoting,?and advancing America's public health. You will be part of an elite and diverse team of professionals essential to public health leadership and exemplary public service.
  • PHS Officers interested in performing the duties of this position with the Commissioned Corps, you are welcome to apply and receive a courtesy referral. Note that a courtesy referral is not a competitive civil service process and does not provide civil service status for the selected employee. Click Here for the comparison chart of Commissioned Corps ranks to civil service, which advises you on potential billet rankings.
Special Notes:
  • This is an open continuous announcement. Applicants are encouraged to apply early in order to maximize their employment opportunities. Your application will remain in the inventory of tentatively qualified applicants.
  • This announcement is being used to create an inventory of applicants for Health Scientist positions and will be used to fill immediate and future needs. Although this announcement is advertised for multiple duty locations, it is not intended to convey any implication nor expectation that positions will be filled at all locations.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the close date 11/30/2024 of this announcement to receive consideration.
  • To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
  • Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  • You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

If you are unable to apply online:
  • Applicants external to CDC - Contact the CDC Helpdesk by phone (770) 488-1725 or email HRCS@CDC.GOV.
  • Applicants internal to CDC - Contact the OHR Service Desk.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online. Applying online, through your USAJOBS account, will expedite the application process and allow you to check your application. If you utilize the Alternate Application method, your USAJOBS account will not display this application or status updates related to this application.

To view the questionnaire, click on the following link:
https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12408449

Agency contact information

CDC HELPDESK

Address

GLOBAL HEALTH CENTER-OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
1600 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30333
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Applicants that are among the best qualified will be referred to the selecting official for consideration as requests to fill vacancies are processed by the Office of Human Resources. The first cut-off date for you to be referred will be July 1, 2024. Thereafter, additional referral lists will be generated throughout the open period as vacancies occur. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview.

Qualified applicants will be considered as job opportunities occur and will receive notification regarding the status of their application during the announcement open period.

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.

Additional Locations


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


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