Job Vacancy Announcement - Health Science Policy Analyst

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications (OSPPC)
Science Policy and Evaluation Branch (SPEB)

Position Overview

The NIMH seeks a motivated, experienced Health Science Policy Analyst to serve in the Science Policy and Evaluation Branch (SPEB), Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications (OSPPC). The NIMH Office of Science Policy, Planning, and Communications (OSPPC) creates and implements the Institute's communication efforts, including information dissemination, media relations activities, and internal communications. The Office oversees outreach and education activities, including planning, coordinating, and promoting Institute interactions with patient advocacy, and professional, scientific, and community-based organizations with specific interests in the mission and/or programs of NIMH.

The SPEB:

1. Articulates the public health relevance of NIMH-supported research.
2. Develop content to support communications between NIMH leadership and varied audiences.
3. Oversees and coordinates NIMH strategic planning, development, outreach, and dissemination of science policy.
4. Oversees, coordinates, and prepares NIMH contributions to NIH reports, Congressional justifications, and related reports involving institute-wide issues relevant to science and science policy.
5. Develops, coordinates, oversees, and prepares NIMH contributions to scientific program evaluations.
6. Develops, coordinates, oversees, and prepares formal reports on NIMH contributions to all Government and Performance Results Act (GPRA) related activities.
7. Coordinates and monitors Institutes FOIA activities, correspondence control, and clearance services.

The incumbent is a Health Science Policy Analyst responsible for analyzing and monitoring developments in several areas of science as they affect NIMH programs, policies, and legislation, and for furnishing policy guidance and assistance regarding science policy issues, as required to appropriate Institute, NIH and DHHS staff, and consulting with them regarding any of the many issues relevant to federal mental health research activities. The ability to function independently, conceptualize and develop policy documents, conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis, translate scientific information into lay language for Congress and other audiences, and contribute to strategic planning documents is essential.

Position Duties

The incumbent serves as a Health Science Policy Analyst with principal responsibility for staying abreast of analyzing and reporting on several areas of mental health research and services activities. The incumbent must have the ability to work with other NIH and federal government offices as well as non-profit organizations and the public to gather information and provide information that is helpful to all audiences. The incumbent must maintain awareness of both existing and emerging research findings, as well as developments in mental health research policy. The incumbent applies this body of knowledge to the development of responses to a wide range of inquiries from voluntary agencies, the Administration, and Congress- all of which require a solid, working knowledge of the scientific underpinnings of NIMH research programs that impact the federal and private sectors. The incumbent identifies emerging issues and needs that may be relevant to NIMH’s role in advising HHS on matters related to mental health.

Specifically, the incumbent:

1. Contributes to a range of staff functions involving planning, policy development, and analysis necessary for key policy and program decisions by the division leadership.
2. Develops reports and other staff documents on policies, programs, plans, research accomplishments, and other activities.
3. Maintains awareness of scientific and legislative developments in mental health research and issues having implications for current and planned health research and research training programs.
4. Identifies emerging programmatic problems and program needs- outlining, developing, and recommending plans and programs to resolve problems and meet programmatic needs and responsibilities.
5. Provide guidance, advice, and assistance to other senior federal leadership concerning major science policy issues affecting NIMH research.
6. Establish working relationships with Institute staff and others and consult with a wide range of individuals who are involved in scientific research to identify major issues.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess 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 this position. Demonstrated ability to effectively organize, prioritize, and execute multiple tasks in a deadline-driven environment. Ability to solve problems as they arise and show strong attention to detail. Strong communication skills, both oral and written. Excellent analytical, organizational, and time management skills.

How to Apply

Candidates must apply through USAJOBS: USAJOBS - The Federal Government's official employment site . A Health Science Policy Analyst announcement will be available through www.usajobs.gov  opening July 29, 2024, and closing August 7, 2024.

Please see NIMH OSPPC’s Health Science Policy Analyst vacancy announcements, DE (open to the public) , and MP (status candidates)  to apply. Applications must be submitted through USAJobs.gov by the closing date of the announcement.

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 .

Benefits

The incumbent will be selected at a salary commensurate with their qualifications and experience. In addition, full benefits, including leave, health, and life insurance may be provided.

HHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers

The Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health encourage the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. HHS and NIH are equal-opportunity employers. Applications from women, persons from underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.