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Transforming the understanding
and treatment of mental illnesses.

Job Vacancy Announcement - Health Scientist Administrator/Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) – Office for Disparities Research and Workforce Diversity (ODWD)

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Office for Disparities Research and Workforce Diversity (ODWD)

Position Overview

The Office for Disparities Research and Workforce Diversity (ODWD) at the National Institute of Mental Health is seeking candidates for a Health Scientist Administrator (HSA) for the Minority Mental Health Program. The ODWD coordinates two (2) significant priorities at NIMH: 1) reducing mental health disparities; and 2) enhancing the diversity of the mental health research workforce. ODWD’s combined focus allows NIMH to support and advance practices that promote equity in mental health research and address the needs of individuals and communities that are underrepresented and underserved in both research and the workforce. ODWD also works closely with the NIMH Office of Rural Mental Health Research to address the mental health needs of people living in rural areas.

The Program Officer works in a dynamic environment at the intersection of health science and public policy. Primary duties for this position include but are not limited to:

  • Participating in developing and implementing comprehensive plans and strategies for projects and activities related to minority mental health (MMH) and health disparities (HD) research.
  • Planning, coordinating, and implementing actions in MMH and HD program areas.
  • Providing technical support to NIMH staff during the development of projects or programs related to MMH and HD.
  • Analyzing and evaluating the effectiveness of programs or operations to identify issues and make recommendations for improvement

Additional activities include assessing current MMH and HD research to identify gaps and opportunities for scientific progress; leveraging innovative approaches to MMH and HD research to increase knowledge and improve public health outcomes; communicating NIMH health disparities research priorities to a broad range of stakeholders; and collaborating with colleagues within and outside of NIMH to advance MMH and HD research that informs practices and policies designed to reduce mental health disparities and promote mental health equity.

Position Duties

The position requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Excellent oral and written communication skills, sound judgment, strong critical thinking, and organizational skills are required. The incumbent should be interested in equity and disparities-related mental health research and should have a desire to work collegially as part of an interdisciplinary staff to support a cooperative and productive work environment.

Qualifications

Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Candidates should have either a Ph.D. or M.D. with expertise in minority mental health or health disparities research.

Strong organizational, oral, written, and communication skills are also required. Experience managing research programs and coordinating professional groups and associations' activities is also desirable. Strong organizational, oral, writing, and communication skills are required. Experience with the grant review process is preferable. Successful candidates are subject to a background investigation and public financial disclosure requirements.

A complete federal civil service benefits package includes retirement, health and life insurance, long-term care insurance, leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent). Salaries are competitive and commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

A Global Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) announcement will be available opening on November 18, 2024.

A Global Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) announcement will be available opening January 13, 2025.

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 .

HHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.