Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Division of Neuroscience and Basic Behavioral Research (DNBBS)
Program Overview
The Division of Neuroscience and Basic Behavioral Research (DNBBS) at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 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. Therefore, 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 be accomplished scientists with a good understanding of how biomedical research is performed and expertise in interdisciplinary genomics research focusing on understanding the genetics of the brain and behavior. A publication record, prior research experience, and evidence of familiarity with current literature in human genomics related to mental illness are 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
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have successfully completed a bachelor’s and graduate/higher level degree with major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences, or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position from an accredited college or university. 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, written, and communication skills are also required. Experience managing research programs and coordinating professional groups and associations' activities is also desirable. Experience with the grant review process is preferable. Successful candidates are subject to a background investigation and public financial disclosure requirements.
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., thrice 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.
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 May 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 NIMHsearch@mail.nih.gov.
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.
