Health Scientist Administrators (Program Officers)

Overview

Health Scientist Administrators (Program Officers)

Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the largest institutes in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), conducts and supports basic and applied research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases.

The Parasitology and International Programs Branch (PIPB) in the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (DMID), NIAID, seeks two highly qualified individuals to serve as health scientist administrators (program officers). One position is open in clinical research, and the other is open in preclinical and translational research in drug discovery and development for parasitic diseases. The mission of PIPB is to support research that will improve the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of parasitic diseases, especially those that cause the greatest global burden, and research on the vectors responsible for transmission of infectious diseases.

Program officers in PIPB provide leadership and oversight for programs spanning basic research, preclinical and translational research and development, clinical research, and field research and development.

PIPB collaborates with various programs within DMID and NIAID, other NIH institutes and centers, and other U.S. government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Defense, and the United States Agency for International Development. PIPB also works with non-governmental organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, public-private product development partnerships such as Medicines for Malaria Venture and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, and multilateral organizations like the World Health Organization. Program officers have frequent opportunities to participate in or lead U.S. government interagency and other working groups.

 

Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) – Clinical Trials Research

The PIPB health scientist administrator (program officer) for clinical trials research serves in a critical role. The incumbent is responsible for managing NIAID-supported clinical research, especially clinical trials, to support the development of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics targeting malaria, neglected tropical diseases, and other parasitic diseases.

In addition, the incumbent is responsible for managing clinical research, especially clinical trials, to support vector-targeted interventions for prevention of vector-borne diseases. NIAID prioritizes development of diagnostics and vaccines, as well as chemoprophylactic, therapeutic, immunoprophylactic, immunotherapeutic, and vector-targeted interventions. Clinical research and development activities are carried out both domestically and internationally.

Preferred candidates will have:

·      Extensive experience in the implementation and operational aspects of clinical trials

·      Demonstrated ability to work on a product development team and/or clinical research team

·      Expertise in the following areas: microbiology, parasitology, clinical research, epidemiology

o   Substantial postgraduate training or certification in relevant areas

·      Extensive experience in clinical research and development, especially involving antimicrobial interventions

·      Extensive experience working on clinical research in disease-endemic settings and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with international investigators

 

Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) – Drug Development

The PIPB health scientist administrator (program officer) for preclinical and translational research in drug discovery and development for parasitic diseases serves in a critical role. The incumbent is responsible for preclinical and translational research that supports the identification, characterization, and validation of novel therapeutics and small molecule inhibitors, as well as studies of antiparasitic drug resistance.

The incumbent is also responsible for preclinical and translational research to investigate and enable the repurposing of previously approved compounds for novel antiparasitic indications. The incumbent must be able to function effectively in a team environment.

Preferred candidates will have:

·      Extensive experience in preclinical and translational aspects of drug research and development, especially involving anti-infectives

o   Substantial postgraduate training in relevant areas

·      Demonstrated ability to work both independently and on a collaborative product development team

 

To Apply

Visit the Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) vacancy announcement numbers NIH-GR-DE-24-12516326 (U.S. citizens) and/or NIH-GR-MP-12516327 (status candidates) to submit your application beginning September 16, 2024. Applications must be submitted online through USAJobs.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 25, 2024.

In your application, please indicate your interest in the NIAID/DMID/PIPB HSA/PO– Clinical Trials Research and/or HSA/PO– Drug Development positions. Applications from women, persons from underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

U.S. citizenship is required for both positions. Visit the vacancy announcements above to view all required qualifications for both positions.

For more information or questions about the HSA/PO– Clinical Trials Research and/or the HSA/PO– Drug Development positions, email Dr. B.F. “Lee” Hall.

This position is subject to a background investigation. For salary information, refer to the vacancy announcement, which includes position title, series, and grade levels. A full civil service package of benefits (including retirement; health, life, and long-term care insurance; Thrift Savings Plan; etc.) is available.

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DHHS, NIH, and NIAID are equal opportunity employers dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community through its training and employment programs.