Data Scientist Administrator (Program Officer & Scientific Review Officer)

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 the website for the Office of Extramural Research .

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Duties

This announcement will be used to fill the following positions within the NIH: As a Data Scientist Administrator (Program Officer), you will perform the following tasks:

• Perform scientific and administrative reviews and analyses of applications/proposals from a programmatic viewpoint.
• Consult with and advise grantees/contractors during preparation of applications/proposals and provide guidance on program issues.
• Develop, coordinate and administer grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts established to fulfill the mission of the Branch and Division.
• Visit universities, research institutions, commercial organizations, other government agencies, entrepreneur/innovation centers, and public and private organizations to promote and explain the objectives of the program.
  
  

As a Data Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer), you will perform the following tasks:

• Provide policy direction and coordination for the planning and execution of initial scientific and technical review conducted within the Institute or Center.
• Utilize scientific knowledge and expertise to perform a variety of management functions associated with the scientific peer review of IC research, research training support activities and other contract activities.
• Manage 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.
• Appoint and manage review panels, including the identification of qualified reviewers to evaluate all applications and proposals and make any recommendations from IC and NIH program officials, to assemble a balanced group of experts and consultants.
• Act 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.
  
  

If you are selected at the GS-12 or GS-13 levels, you will essentially perform the same duties as those at the full performance level described above, however, duties are less complex and will be performed under closer supervision with more detailed guidance.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• Remote employees must adhere to all requirements at NIH and in the federal government, including the signing and recertifying of a remote work agreement, and completion of any training. Remote employees may be required to report to an NIH physical location to complete onboarding requirements and while employed at certain times based on agency need. Visit our Remote Work page for information
• 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 qualifications by the closing date of this announcement.
• Males born after December 31,1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• The position has a positive education requirement. Please provide transcripts.
  
  

Qualifications

Basic Education Requirements:

Successful completion of a bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree with a major study in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science, or a field that is directly related to the position OR a combination of education (at least 30 semester hours) and additional appropriate/related experience that is the equivalent to a major in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or a field directly related to the position.

Requirements for Applicants to the GS-12 level: 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.

Direct/Independent Research Qualifying Experience Applicants must meet all experience requirements in this section.

• independent health-related research, as evidenced by the development of health-related data science 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).
  
  

OR

Research Administration/Extramural Qualifying Experience Applicants must meet all experience requirements in this section.

• reviewed grant applications, contract proposals, or other research-related works and materials for compliance with requirements and appropriateness;
• applied scientific knowledge to place the proposed health-related data science research project in its relation to the current state of research being done in the subject matter area and the organization's priorities; and
• responded to issues and concerns about specific applications or proposals pertaining to assigned program areas.
  
  

Requirements for Applicants to the GS-13 level: In addition to the education requirements, 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 either the Direct/Independent Research or the Research Administration/Extramural sections below.

Direct/Independent Research Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet all experience requirements in this section.

• management of independent health-related data science research projects (e.g., R01 grant, R01 equivalent grant or contract, or comparable project) with a defined budget and staff;
• supervised or led graduate researchers/technicians;
• served as primary or corresponding author on publications in refereed journals, presenting published work to scientific organizations, and/or teaching graduate-level courses in data science or health-related disciplines; and
• served 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.

OR

Research Administration/Extramural Qualifying Experience Applicants must meet at least three (3) experience requirements in this section.

• summarized the results of the scientific or technical merit review of grant applications or contract proposals;
• assessed the scientific and/or technical progress of awarded grants and/or contracts to determine effectiveness of support and achievement of objectives;
• evaluated assigned program portfolios to identify new concepts, programs, or initiatives to support program planning and administrative functioning in relation to an organization's priorities;
• formulated and developed new Funding Opportunity Announcements or Program Announcements (e.g., RFAs, RFPs, or a combination of these) to achieve objectives;
• administered the review of grant applications, contract proposals, health related data science research project applications or research reports submitted in response to requests for applications, multicenter clinical trial applications, and contract proposals.
  
  

Requirements for Applicants to the GS-14 level: In addition to the education requirements, 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.

Direct/Independent Research Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet all experience requirements in this section

• directing at least two health-related data science 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;
• coordinating committee and teaching activities and organizing and presenting sessions at national scientific meetings/conferences; and
• serving 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.

OR

Research Administration/Extramural Qualifying Experience - Applicants must meet at least three (3) experience requirements in this section.

• organized 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;
• evaluated program activities for a portfolio of health-related data science 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;
• recommended funding plans for initiatives and/or establish the criteria and standards for a review panel;
• managed the initial scientific and administrative review of grant applications and/or center grants, program project grants, and training grant applications;
• appointed and managed review panels to include identifying qualified expert Reviewers;
• established the evaluation criteria used to assess all applications and proposals.
  
  

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.

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.

To determine your qualifications and referral status, we may review your resume and supporting documentation and compare it against your responses to the vacancy questionnaire. Ensure you support your self-ratings with the information you provide in your application. 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.

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 .

Preview assessment questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12441864

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.
• A one-year probationary period may be required upon selection/placement.
• 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.
• 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.
• PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should apply online to this announcement to receive consideration.
• 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. This information is required annually. For information, visit the NIH Ethics website: https://ethics.od.nih.gov/topics/fd.html
• 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.
• The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• 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.
  
  

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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 position(s) advertised in this announcement are covered by a direct hire authority. Traditional rating and ranking of applicants, including category rating, does not apply to this vacancy. You will be initially evaluated against the basic qualifications only. Qualified applicants will be referred for consideration in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management direct hire guidelines . Veterans' Preference does not apply to positions covered by a direct hire authority.

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 and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and all other requirements.