Job Vacancy Announcement – Branch Chief Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer)

Program Overview

The Division of Translational Research (DTR) at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) directs, plans, and supports programs of research that translate knowledge from basic science to discover the etiology, pathophysiology, and trajectory of mental disorders and develop effective interventions for both children and adults. The Division is looking for a motivated individual to serve as Chief of the Biomarker and Intervention Development for Childhood-Onset Mental Disorders Branch, which supports research leading to the development of novel, mechanism-based treatments, and preventive interventions for childhood-onset mental disorders.

The Branch supports research to develop novel cognitive, behavioral, psychosocial, pharmacological, and device-based interventions. It manages a diverse portfolio of grants that include the development of novel technologies, analytic strategies, and other resources for the characterization of individuals for the purposes of stratification into clinical trials, personalizing treatment, and monitoring response to treatment. Approaches that quantify cognitive, emotional, sensorimotor, and biobehavioral processes that are often shared across diagnostic categories are of particular interest. Additionally, the Branch supports a wide range of research on the characterization, pathophysiology, treatment, and outcomes of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental disorders.

Position Duties

The Supervisory Health Scientist Administrator serves as a branch chief and a program officer for the Biomarker and Intervention Development for Childhood-Onset Mental Disorders Branch of DTR. The branch chief will oversee and supervise program officers who initiate, plan, develop, and direct NIMH extramural research programs administered by the branch. The selected candidate will also serve as program officer for a portfolio of grants, cooperative agreements, etc., and will participate in collaborative activities with other NIH Institutes and Federal Departments or Agencies, as appropriate. Responsibilities include identifying opportunities for scientific growth in mental health research; recognizing important gaps in knowledge and relevant program needs; making recommendations for new research efforts, or other initiatives; and providing expert advice relating to research specific proposals in the assigned program area. This position requires working both independently and collaboratively and offers opportunities to impact priorities, develop new initiatives, and contribute to the advancement of a national program of research.

Qualifications

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have successfully obtained an M.D., Ph.D. or equivalent degree from an accredited college university, including acceptance of the dissertation, in an academic field of the health or pertinent sciences allied to health or health-related research.

Strong organizational, oral, written, and communication skills are required. Although not required, experience managing research programs and coordinating professional groups is desirable. Successful candidates are subject to a background check and public financial disclosure requirements.

A complete federal civil service benefits package includes retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent). https://hr.nih.gov/benefits  Salaries are competitive and commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

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 encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. HHS and NIH are equal-opportunity employers.