Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review and Program Officer) Job

Vacancy No. NIH-GR-DE-25-12605627 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 11/18/2024 Close Date 11/27/2024
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: Office of Extramural Research.

Visit our Scientist Administrator web pagefor more information.

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

As a Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer), you will take on a challenging, rewarding role with a direct opportunity to advance the mission of the NIH through stimulating, planning, advising, directing, and evaluating program activities for a portfolio of research projects and programs.

  • Serving as a Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (SRO) with responsibility in providing policy direction and coordination for the planning and execution of initial scientific and technical review.
  • Utilizing scientific knowledge and expertise to perform a variety of management functions associated with the scientific peer review of research and research training support activities and other contract activities.
  • Managing 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.
  • Appointing and managing review panels, including the identification of reviewers to evaluate all applications and proposals, to assemble a balanced group of experts and consultants.
  • Establishing the criteria and standards for the review panel to follow based upon expert knowledge of the relevant scientific fields, program review policies and procedures.
  • Providing information to the consultants on each committee assembled as a basis for reviewing and evaluating grant applications, contract proposals; collects and provides essential information for committee members.
  • Preparing summary statements of review committee findings and recommendations for use by the advisory committee; attends committee meeting and responds to impromptu questions related to the review of the assigned application.
  • Acting 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.
As a Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (Program Officer), you will take on a challenging, rewarding role with a direct opportunity to advance the mission of the NIH through providing advice in program planning, solicitation, and evaluation to perform day-to-day administrative functions related to research grants and interagency agreements supporting research projects in your assigned area.
  • Providing technical leadership and guidance in a major subject-matter area while coordinating the review activities of the Office of Extramural Research Grants Review Committee and Special Emphasis Panels.
  • Evaluating the availability and level of resources that can be applied to program area needs and stimulating interest in projects and special activities through communication with the social science community.
  • Identifying opportunities and problem areas, research gaps and relevant program needs and making recommendations to the Branch Chief.
  • Organizing and conducting discussions with social science and/or behavioral researchers concerning an overall agenda for the assigned program area.
  • Providing suggested recommendations concerning program direction, priorities and funding levels for areas of responsibility.
  • Performing scientific and administrative reviews and analyzing of applications/proposals from a programmatic viewpoint.
  • Preparing information for and attending advisory/review committee/panel meetings and responds to issues and concerns about specific applications/proposals pertaining to assigned program area.
  • Consulting with and advising grantees/contractors during preparation of applications/proposals and provides guidance on program issues.
  • Collaborating with other Branch and Division staff and NIH staff offices, as required.
  • Organizing and conducting workshops, conferences, symposia or similar activities to foster the aims of the Branch and the Division.
  • Visiting universities, research institutions, commercial organizations, other Government agencies, and public and private organizations.
  • Facilitating communication and collaborative efforts with other Institute components, other ICs, and other DHHS agencies in assigned area of responsibility.
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 at any time. Verification may, but need not, begin before receiving an offer.

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: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/oer.htm

Requirements

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. Please provide transcripts.
  • 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.
  • A one-year probationary period may be required upon selection/placement.
  • 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.
  • At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities: telework, compressed schedules, flexible schedules.
  • Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should apply online to this announcement to receive consideration.
  • The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Applicants for all grades must meet the requirements described in paragraphs A, B or C below:

A. have a bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree in the behavioral or social sciences, or related disciplines appropriate to this position. OR

B. have a combination of education and experience that provided you with the knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. OR

C. have four years of appropriate experience demonstrating that you have acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. AND

GS-12: In addition to the education requirements to qualify at the GS-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. This experience must meet either the Direct/Independent Research or the Research Administration/Extramural sections below.

A. Direct/Independent Research Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet all experience requirements in this section:
  • independent health-related research, as evidenced by the development of 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).
Typical qualifying positions include Instructor, Assistant Professor, Adjunct Professor, Staff Fellow, Senior Staff Fellow, Research Associate, and Research Scientist.

B. Research Administration/Extramural Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet all experience requirements in this section:
  • review grant applications, contract proposals, or other research-related works and materials for compliance with requirements and appropriateness;
  • apply scientific knowledge to place the proposed research project in its relation to the current state of research being done in the subject matter area and the organization's priorities; and
  • respond to issues and concerns about specific applications or proposals pertaining to assigned program areas.
GS-13: In addition to the basic requirement, to qualify 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. This experience must meet eithertheDirect/Independent Research orthe Research Administration/Extramural sections below.

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

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

A. Direct/Independent Research Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet all experience requirements in this section:
  • direct at least two health-related 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;
  • coordinate committee and teaching activities and organized and presented sessions at national scientific meetings/conferences; and
  • serve 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.

B. Research Administration/Extramural Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet at least three (3) experience requirements in this section:
  • organize 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;
  • evaluate program activities for a portfolio of 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;
  • recommend funding plans for initiatives and/or establish the criteria and standards for a review panel;
  • manage the initial scientific and administrative review of grant applications and/or center grant, program project grant, and training grant applications;
  • appoint and manage review panels to include identifying qualified expert Reviewers;
  • establish the evaluation criteria used to assess all applications and proposals.
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.

Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12605627

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

  • 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.
  • 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].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].
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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."
  • 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.
  • 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.

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. Knowledge of the principles, practices and theories applicable to behavioral or social science research.
  • 2. Knowledge of policies, procedures, rules, and regulations related to management and review of grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements.
  • 3. Ability to communicate complex scientific topics.
  • 4. Skill in providing leadership to others.


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.

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.

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.

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 PREFERENCE OR ELIGIBILITY CLAIMS
To claim veterans' preference, career transition selection priority, Schedule A or military spouse eligibility, you must provide the documentation listed below AND respond accordingly to the associated question on the online questionnaire.
  • Veterans' preference (DD-214, VA Disability Letter, etc.): Reference Standard Form 15 (SF-15) for required documentation for 10 point claims. Submission of SF-15 is not required, unless you are claiming derived preference (XP) as described in questions 7, 8, or 9 on the SF-15. In those cases, you must submit a completed SF-15 and the required documentation. For 5 point claims, you must submit your DD-214 (if separated) or any written documentation from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application package.
  • Visit our sites on Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) for more information and required documentation.
  • Visit our site on the Appointment of Certain Military Spouses for more information and required documentation to verify eligibility.
  • Schedule A Eligibility (Applicants with Disabilities) Applicants who are eligible to be considered under Schedule A must submit appropriate documentation to verify eligibility. Documentation must be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. The letter must be printed on a medical professional's letterhead and signed. Veterans' preference takes precedence in these appointments.

The Schedule A and military spouse hiring authorities do not guarantee employment or give an individual preference in the hiring process.

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.

Do not submit 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 11/27/2024 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/12605627
  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 Global Jobs at globaljobs@mail.nih.gov. Requests for reasonable accommodations must be made before the announcement closing date.

NIH's EEO and Diversity and Inclusion Policy Statement

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

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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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