Job Vacancy Announcement – Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer)

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Division of Translational Research (DTR)
Adult Pathophysiology and Biological Interventions Development Branch (APBIDB)

Program Overview

The Division of Translational Research (DTR) at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) directs, plans, and supports programs of research that translate knowledge from basic science to discover the etiology, pathophysiology, and trajectory of mental disorders and develop effective interventions for both children and adults. The Division is looking for a motivated individual to serve as Program Officer in the Adult Pathophysiology and Biological Interventions Development Branch, which supports research programs aimed at understanding the brain basis of mental disorders. The Branch supports multidisciplinary studies with human and model systems on the genetic, molecular, cellular, circuit, and systems levels of brain function designed to elucidate the pathophysiology of mental disease and to translate these findings to clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.

The Central-Peripheral Interactions Pathophysiology Program within the Branch supports research on the relationship between psychopathology and the central nervous system in combination with peripheral biological systems. Key questions concern the mechanisms of psychopathology and dimensional behavioral disorders in adults (ages 18+). These include the study of functional relationship between neural circuitries and peripheral biological systems and processes. The program seeks to elucidate how these interactions contribute to symptoms or dimensional constructs (RDoC) that are characteristic of mental disorders and how such interactions can be exploited for translational therapeutic development. Experimental approaches may include genetic analysis, multiplex endocrine assays, bioenergetics, animal models, iPSCs, neuroimaging, and molecular approaches.

Position Duties

The Health Scientist Administrator serves as a program officer for the Adult Pathophysiology and Biological Interventions Development Branch of DTR. The selected candidate will also serve as program officer for a portfolio of grants and cooperative agreements, and will participate in collaborative activities with other NIH Institutes and Federal Departments or Agencies, as appropriate. Responsibilities include identifying opportunities for scientific growth in mental health research; recognizing important gaps in knowledge and relevant program needs; making recommendations for new research initiatives; and providing expert advice relating to research-specific proposals in the assigned program area. This position requires working both independently and collaboratively and offers opportunities to impact priorities, develop new initiatives, and contribute to the advancement of a program of research.

Qualifications

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and have successfully obtained an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree from an accredited college university, in an academic field of the health or pertinent sciences allied to health or health-related research. Strong organizational, oral, written, and communication skills are required. Successful candidates are subject to a background check.

A complete federal civil service benefits package includes retirement, health, and life insurance, leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent). https://hr.nih.gov/benefits  Salaries are competitive and commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

A global Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) announcement will be available through www.usajobs.gov  opening September 16, 2024 and closing September 25, 2024.

Candidates must apply through USAJOBS: USAJOBS - The Federal Government's official employment site  Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to also send a letter of interest and curriculum vitae to [email protected].

Please set up notifications via USAJOBS for future announcements that fit your criteria. Visit the NIH Federal Resume Tips website for guidance on creating a federal resume at https://hr.nih.gov/jobs/how-apply/tips-writing-federal-resume .

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.