Job Description
Security Clearance Other 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. 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: These positions are located in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), within multiple Institutes/Centers or the Office of the Director. Serving as a Social and Behavioral Scientist (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. Qualifications BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Applicants 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 ADDITIONAL POSITION REQUIREMENT: Applicants for all grades must meet the following requirement: GS-14: In addition to the education requirements, to qualify at the GS-14 level, you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 as described below. Published as a primary or corresponding (i.e., communicates with editors) author in research publications, book chapters, or other scientific products (e.g., reports summarizing analyses and findings, patents); Served as the lead presenter at scientific events (e.g., conferences, conventions) to advise on progress and emerging scientific direction; Oversaw research projects by coordinating resources and managing timelines; Conceptualized, initiated, and implemented scientific initiatives to enhance research efforts (e.g., multidisciplinary/cross-departmental collaboration); Evaluated research applications, proposals, or other material (e.g., reports) for compliance, relevance, and scientific/technical merit. Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. 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. 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. Preview application questionnaire before you apply: 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. Other 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. 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. At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities: telework compressed schedules, flexible schedules. 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 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: Visit Help Applying for helpful information on the application process. 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).