Summary

We are looking for scientists to provide technical leadership and guidance and serve as Biologist 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.

Duties

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• 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.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• 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 qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Position requires Education Please submit transcripts (See "Qualifications" section of this announcement).

Qualifications

To qualify for a Biologist Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer), GS-0401 position, you must have:

A. Completed the requirements for a bachelor's (or graduate) degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to this position, from an accredited college or university, OR

B. A combination of experience and education which includes courses comparable to a major in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to this position, AND have appropriate experience or additional education which demonstrates similarly appropriate skills or abilities needed to perform the duties of this position.

In addition, in order to qualify for a Biologist Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer) at the GS-12 level, you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to 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); and
• Communicated within a team to establish a research design, analyze data, and document findings.

In addition, in order to qualify for a Biologist Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer) at the GS-13 level, you must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector as described below.

• Authored a scientific publication or report summarizing analyses and findings, or invented a patent;
• Shared research through posters or oral presentations at scientific events (e.g., conferences, conventions); and
• Designed and conducted a research study, analyzed and interpreted data, and documented findings.

In addition, in order to qualify for a Biologist Scientist Administrator (Scientific Review Officer) 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.

• Served as a primary or corresponding author of peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, scientific reports summarizing analyses and findings, or lead inventor on patents;
• Served as the lead presenter at scientific events (e.g., conferences, conventions) or communicated scientific evaluation findings to share insights, respond to questions, or exchange ideas that advance research;
• Oversaw research projects or scientific evaluations by coordinating resources and managing timelines;
• Conceptualized, initiated, and implemented scientific initiatives or evaluation strategies to enhance research;
• 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:

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.

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.
• Based on your appointment, a one or two-year trial/probationary period may be required. A decision regarding your continued employment with NIH will be made as you near the end of this period.
• PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps should also apply online to this announcement in order to receive consideration.
• The NIH maintains a tobacco free work environment and campus.
• Military Spouses selected from this announcement will remain in their current duty location (i.e., the official duty station of the military service member.
• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Visit our Help Applying page for helpful information on the application process.
• If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: Reasonable Accommodation.
• If selected, you may be eligible to receive a salary above the minimum based on superior qualifications and/or a special need of the Government for your services. This applies to employees paid under the General Schedule (GS) and Federal Wage System (FWS) pay systems and is at the discretion of the hiring manager. A salary above the minimum must be approved before the appointment.
• 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.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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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.