Job Vacancy Announcement - Social and Behavioral Scientist 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 & Intervention Research (DSIR)
Services Research and Clinical Epidemiology Branch (SRCEB)
Child and Adolescent Services Research Program (CASRP)
Program Overview
The NIMH Services Research and Clinical Epidemiology Branch (SRCEB) in the Division of Services and Intervention Research (DSIR) seeks a motivated and experienced health services researcher to develop and manage a portfolio of innovative grant-supported research to improve access, engagement, quality, equity, utilization, effectiveness, and delivery of mental health services for children and adolescents with mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, or autism spectrum disorder.
DSIR offers a stimulating and collegial work environment with opportunities to influence mental health research priorities, develop new research initiatives, and contribute to advancing 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, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other public and private funding agencies; and communicating SRCEB research priorities via outreach to the scientific community (e.g., conference presentations, workshops, training institutes, and special journal issues).
Position Duties
The successful candidate will have primary responsibility for developing and managing a portfolio of research grants in the child and adolescent mental health services research and autism services research arenas. Research in this program is conducted in multiple sectors and settings in which mental health services are delivered to youth – including schools, primary care, child welfare, juvenile justice, community-based organizations, and mental health specialty care. Research in this program leverages methods that involve prospective data collection, including clinical trials (e.g., hybrid effectiveness-implementation designs), quasi-experimental designs, and mixed-methods approaches, as well as research that involves the use of electronic health records and other administrative data to identify and test strategies for optimizing MH services.
Research topics include: studies that develop and test novel service delivery models that promote early access, engagement, coordination, and optimization of mental health and autism treatment and services for children and adolescents; research to develop innovative technologies that optimize early detection of symptoms, accelerate referrals to evidence-based services, and monitor course and services outcomes; research to integrate, link, and coordinate mental health services across systems and sectors that provide care for children and youth (e.g., specialty care clinics, primary care, education, juvenile justice, and child welfare); and research that explores novel approaches (e.g., navigation models and systems science) to remove barriers, eliminate disparities, and facilitate the provision evidence-based practices for underserved children and adolescents.
Qualifications
The work site is in Rockville, Maryland. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and the ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (e.g., M.D., D.S.W., Sc.D.) from an accredited college or university, with graduate training in health services research, intervention science, or policy research. Experience in the conduct of research or research management and data-based publications in child and adolescent health services are required. Prior experience in child and adolescent mental health services research is ideal. Strong organizational, oral, writing, and communication skills are required. Experience with the grant process is preferable. The successful candidate is subject to a background investigation and public financial disclosure requirements.
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.
Benefits
A full package of federal Civil Service benefits is available, including retirement, leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent). Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.
DHHS and NIH are equal-opportunity employers
The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. The HHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers.