Job Vacancy Announcement - Social and Behavioral Sciences Administrator/Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer)

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Division of Services and Intervention Research (DSIR)
Mental Health Services Research and Computational Methods Program

Program Overview

The NIMH Services Research and Clinical Epidemiology Branch (SRCEB) in the Division of Services and Intervention Research (DSIR) seeks a motivated, experienced quantitative health services researcher. This individual will develop and manage a portfolio of innovative grant-supported research that promotes novel assessment methods, research designs, and data analytic strategies to advance the delivery, equity, and maintenance of effective mental health services in real-world practice settings and communities.

DSIR offers a stimulating and collegial work environment with opportunities to influence mental health research priorities, develop new research initiatives, and contribute to the advancement of a national program of health services research. General responsibilities for Program Officers in SRCEB include administering and managing a portfolio of extramural research grants; collaborating with researchers and Program Officers from related scientific programs within NIMH, NIH, HHS, and other public and private funding agencies; and communicating SRCEB research priorities via outreach to the scientific community (e.g., conference presentations, workshops, and special journal issues).

Position Duties

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of research grants that aim to develop, test, and disseminate innovative assessment tools, research methods, and data analytic approaches to enhance mental health clinical trials, services research, and implementation science. Research topics include:

(1) developing and validating novel measures of mental disorder risk; social determinants of health; clinical features and recovery; engagement in treatment; and quality and effectiveness of care to advance clinical epidemiology, comparative effectiveness trials, measurement-based treatment, and health care quality improvement;

(2) applying innovative computational approaches (e.g., machine learning, artificial intelligence, pattern classification techniques, predictive analytics) to diverse data sources to identify new intervention targets or opportunities for optimizing access, delivery, and quality of services; and

(3) exploring promising research designs, including experimental, quasi-experimental, and technology-enhanced approaches, to speed development, testing, and implementation of personalized mental health interventions in real-world treatment settings, including those that address the needs of underserved, minority, and marginalized groups.

Qualifications

Applicants must be U.S. citizens.  The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (e.g., M.D., DSW, Sc.D.) from an accredited college or university, with graduate training in health services research, including clinical epidemiology, novel statistical methods, computational modeling and/or data science to improve understanding of complex, multifactorial health data (e.g., administrative, claims, or electronic health record data, epidemiologic surveys, census data, sensor-based data from mobile devices; social media/device use metrics). Experience in the conduct of research or research management, and data-based publications are required. Prior experience in quantitative mental health services research is ideal. Strong organizational, oral, writing, and communication skills are required. Experience with the grants review process is preferable. The successful candidate is subject to a background investigation and public financial disclosure requirements.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens. The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. HHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers. The work site is in Rockville, Maryland. A complete federal Civil Service benefits package is available, including retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent). Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The position will be posted at the GS-13 and GS-14 federal government salary grades, with an annual salary between $106,823 and $164,102.

How to Apply

This is a pre-announcement. The official announcement will be available through www.usajobs.gov from March 20, 2023 through March 29, 2023.

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.