Program Officer in Genomics Research Branch, Division of Neuroscience and Basic Behavioral Science, National Institute of Mental Health

GS-0101-12/13/14

Salary Range ($86,962 - $191,900 per year)

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Genomics Research Branch (GRB)
Division of Neuroscience and Basic Behavioral Science (DNBBS)

Program Overview

The National Institute of Health (NIMH), Division of Neuroscience and Basic Behavioral Science (DNBBS) directs, plans, and supports research programs in the areas of fundamental neuroscience, human genetics, basic behavioral science, research training, resource development, technology development, drug discovery, and research dissemination. The Division also has the responsibility, in cooperation with other components of the Institute and the research community, to ensure that relevant basic science knowledge is generated and harvested to create an improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and behavioral disorders. The Division is looking for a motivated individual to serve as a Program Officer in its Genomics Research Branch. The Branch plans, supports, and administers research programs toward the discovery and function of gene variants and other genomic elements that contribute to developing mental illnesses and related traits. Research projects apply genome-scale approaches to case-control, family, and population-based study designs to identify genetic risk factors and the underlying genetic architecture of serious mental illnesses. The Branch also supports basic research into the relationship between human genetic variation and phenotypic variation in molecular, cellular, affective, and cognitive traits relevant to mental illnesses. Towards this end, the Branch encourages the development and distribution of research resources such as novel statistical, computational, and bioinformatics tools and comprehensive genomic reference maps derived from healthy and patient brains, organoids, and cells. The goal is to establish a robust foundation based on human genetics and human biology for translational neuroscience efforts aiming to diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent mental illnesses.

Position Duties

Individuals are encouraged to apply who can initiate, plan, develop, and direct NIMH extramural research programs administered by the Branch. The selected candidate will serve as Program Officer for a portfolio of grants, contracts, and/or cooperative agreements and participate in collaborative activities with other NIH institutes and Federal departments or agencies, as appropriate.

Competitive candidates are expected to have a good understanding of how biomedical research is performed and expertise in interdisciplinary genomics research focusing on understanding brain and behavior. Prior research experience, and familiarity with current literature in human genomics related to CNS disorders are desired, but not essential. This position requires working independently and collaboratively and offers opportunities to impact priorities, develop new initiatives, and contribute to the advancement of a national research program.

Qualifications

For the Program Officer, SBSA:

Basic Education Requirements:

• Have a bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree in the behavioral or social sciences, or related disciplines appropriate to this position. OR
• Have a combination of education and experience that provided the knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. OR
• 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

In addition to the basic requirement above, all applicants must meet the following requirement:

• Worked independently in planning, organizing, and conducting behavioral or social science health-related research; served in research program administration in these fields; and acquired an understanding of the history, interests, internal dynamics, and relationships of organizations in which health research is conducted.

Additional Requirements for Applicants at the GS-12 level: 

Extramural - review completeness of applications for research grants or contracts; study scientific literature in order to place the proposed research project in its relationship to the research being done in the subject matter area; respond to issues and concerns about specific applications or proposals pertaining to assigned program areas.

Additional Requirements for Applicants at the GS-13 level

Extramural - review the technical and scientific merit of applications and proposals received requesting grant or contract funds; provide 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 scientific area; identify new basic, translational and clinical research concepts, projects and initiatives to appropriate advisory groups and formulate and develop Program Announcements, RFAs, RFPs, or a combination of these, to achieve objectives.

Additional Requirements for Applicants at the GS-14 level: 

Extramural - organize and conduct 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; manage the initial scientific and administrative review of center grant, program project grant, and training grant applications, as well as research project applications submitted in response to requests for applications, multicenter clinical trial applications, and contract proposals assigned to the program area; plans, advises, and evaluates program activities for a portfolio of research project, research program and other grants/awards, cooperative agreements, and/or contracts in the assigned program area and the discovery, development and evaluation of associated prevention and therapeutic strategies; review and evaluate periodic and interim progress reports to determine effectiveness of support and achievement of objectives; recommend funding plans for initiatives; establish the criteria and standards for a review panel.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Successful candidates are subject to a background investigation and public financial disclosure requirements.

For salary information, refer to the vacancy announcement which includes Position title, series, and grade levels. A full civil service package of benefits (including retirement, health, life and long-term care insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, etc.) is available.  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. Reporting to an NIH location may also be required during the onboarding process. Visit NIH's Remote Work page for more information and requirements.

How to Apply

Global Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) announcement will be available opening on November 18, 2024, and closing November 27, 2024.

All questions should be referred to the HR Contact listed on the announcement. Applications must be submitted through USAJobs.gov by closing date of the announcement.

Ahead of the announcement, applicants are strongly encouraged to send a letter of interest and curriculum vitae to NIMHsearch@mail.nih.gov. Interested applicants may also reach out to Dr. Jonathan Pevsner, Chief, Genomics Reearch Branch at jonathan.pevsner@nih.gov

Please check back frequently for updated announcement information and applicable links on Job Vacancy Announcement - Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) - Genomics Research Branch (GRB) - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (nih.gov)

HHS and NIH are equal-opportunity employers. The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. HHS and NIH are equal-opportunity employers.

Applicants must demonstrate one-year of independent research experience, which involved the planning, organizing, and conducting of biomedical or health related research; and one-year of program administration in these fields. Strong organizational, oral, writing and communication skills are required. Experience managing research programs and coordinating professional groups and associations' activities is also desirable. Experience with the grant review process is preferable.