Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (Program Officer)

Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (Program Officer)

Department: Department of Health and Human Services

Location(s): Montgomery County, Maryland

Salary Range: $143913 - $187093 Per Year

Job 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: Office of Extramural Research.

Major Duties:

• As a Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (Program Officer), you will take on a challenging, rewarding role with a direct opportunity to advance the mission of the NIH through providing 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 assigned area. 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: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/oer.htm These positions are located in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), within multiple Institutes/Centers or the Office of the Director. Providing technical leadership and guidance in a major subject-matter area while coordinating the review activities of the Office of Extramural Research Grants Review Committee and Special Emphasis Panels. Evaluating the availability and level of resources that can be applied to program area needs and stimulating interest in projects and special activities through communication with the social science community. Identifying opportunities and problem areas, research gaps and relevant program needs and making recommendations to the Branch Chief. Organizing and conducting discussions with social science and/or behavioral researchers concerning an overall agenda for the assigned program area. Providing suggested recommendations concerning program direction, priorities and funding levels for areas of responsibility. Performing scientific and administrative reviews and analyzing of applications/proposals from a programmatic viewpoint. Preparing information for and attending advisory/review committee/panel meetings and responds to issues and concerns about specific applications/proposals pertaining to assigned program area. Consulting with and advising grantees/contractors during preparation of applications/proposals and provides guidance on program issues. Collaborating with other Branch and Division staff and NIH staff offices, as required. Organizing and conducting workshops, conferences, symposia or similar activities to foster the aims of the Branch and the Division. Visiting universities, research institutions, commercial organizations, other Government agencies, and public and private organizations. Facilitating communication and collaborative efforts with other Institute components, other ICs, and other DHHS agencies in assigned area of responsibility.

Qualifications: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must meet the requirements described in paragraphs A, B or C below: A. have a bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree in the behavioral or social sciences, or related disciplines appropriate to this position. OR B. have a combination of education and experience that provided you with the knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. OR C. 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 ADDITIONAL POSITION REQUIREMENT: Applicants for all grades must meet the following requirement: GS-14: 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 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. 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. 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. 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/12930989

How to Apply: To apply for this position, please read and follow all instructions in this announcement, complete the online application, and submit the documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET) on 04/29/2026 to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. 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 (Status Applicant, Reinstatement, 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/12930989 Verify all required documentation is included in your application package, review your responses to the assessment questionnaire for accuracy, and then submit your application. 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. If you need any other accommodation or assistance with applying, please contact Carolyn Lammering at lammeringcm@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: 2026-04-29