Health Scientist Administrator (SRO)

Health Scientist Administrator (SRO)

Department: Department of Health and Human Services

Location(s): Montgomery County, Maryland

Salary Range: $102415 - $187093 Per Year

Job Summary: We are looking for a broad range of scientists to provide technical leadership and guidance and serve as Health Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officers) (SROs). SROs work in partnership with the scientific community to ensure that NIH identifies the most meritorious science for funding.

Major Duties:

• Serve as a Health Scientist Administrator (SRO) with responsibility in providing policy direction and coordination for the planning and execution of initial scientific and technical review conducted within the Institute. Utilize scientific knowledge and expertise to perform a variety of management functions associated with the scientific peer review of IC research and 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 upon own knowledge as a scientist and any recommendations from IC and NIH program officials, to assemble a balanced group of experts and consultants. Establish the criteria and standards for the review panel to follow based upon expert knowledge of the relevant scientific fields, NIH, and IC review policies and procedures. Provides 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. Prepares summary statements of review committee findings and recommendations for use by the IC advisory committee; attends committee meeting and responds to impromptu questions related to the review of the assigned application. Act as the sole Federal official and agency representative by guiding the activities of a review committee by orienting new review members 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.

Qualifications: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: In order to qualify for a Health Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer), GS-0601, position you must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a Bachelor's degree or 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. (This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained). IN ADDITION: 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 as described below. Authored a patent, scientific publication, or an internal research report (i.e., within an organization) summarizing analyses and findings; Shared research through posters or oral presentations at scientific events (e.g., conferences, conventions); Communicated within a team to establish a research design, analyze data, and document findings. 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 as described below. Authored multiple patents, scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals, or research reports summarizing analyses and findings; Presented at scientific events (e.g., conferences, conventions) engaging in discussions with scientists to share insights, respond to questions, or exchange ideas that advance research; Monitored progress on a research project by coordinating resources and managing timelines; Initiated development and submission or research plans, funding opportunities, proposals, or applications.; Evaluated research applications, proposals, or other material (e.g., reports) based on scientific and technical merit. 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 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector 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. 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 or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. 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: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12933323

How to Apply: Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete and submit all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents sections. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Click Apply Online button. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. See the "Required Documents" section for any additional forms and/or supplemental materials required. Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly to any Eligibility you wish to claim. You will only be considered for those Eligibility questions (Veteran, Schedule A, etc.) you respond in the affirmative to, regardless of what documentation you submit. We cannot assume you intended to respond differently to a question based on other information in your application package. Complete the application questionnaire. Applicants are asked all questions regardless of their consideration preferences. We will only consider you for the grades, series, locations, specialties, and other considerations that you self-identify as being qualified for or interested in. Preview application questionnaire before you apply: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12933323 After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside about 2 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Verify all required documentation is included in your application package, review your responses to the application questionnaire for accuracy, and then submit your application. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us. In addition to the required documents, we encourage you to submit a cover letter, copy of your transcripts, and any applicable certifications or licenses. Even though this information is not required at the time of application, we may request this information later. We cannot assume responsibility or grant extensions for personal issues (e.g., troubles navigating the application process, loss of internet, not understanding a question) when applying to our announcements. For technical difficulties, contact HR Systems Support between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM ET Monday through Friday at hrss@nih.gov. For reasonable accommodations not related to USA Hire, please contact Angela Newcomb at newcombal@mail.nih.gov . Requests for reasonable accommodations must be made before the announcement closing date. Visit our site for information on NIH's EEO program, Reasonable accommodation procedures, laws, policy statements, and the operation of the EEO complaint process.

Application Deadline: 2026-04-27