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 be able to identify both existing and emerging research findings and information about changes in services issues and developments in policy related to mental health research to develop planning and policy documents. 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. Establishes working relationships with, and works closely with, Institute staff and staff at other institutes and federal agencies to monitor advances and trends in science that are relevant to NIMH’s mission. The incumbent maintains up-to-date knowledge of progress and current issues in basic and clinical research through ongoing review of the literature, attendance at relevant scientific and policy meetings, and participation in seminars and conferences as required. This information is used to identify areas of progress, opportunity, and relative need interrelated with science-policy issues.
2. Conducts in-depth analyses of significant issues or subject matter areas to guide OSPPC presentations and responses to public policymakers regarding mental health research and policy issues.
3. Contributes to the development of recommendations for approaches in program planning and evaluation processes to facilitate the achievement of identified goals effectively and efficiently, including resource-sharing and collaboration with other organizations, both public and private.
4. Participates in briefing the OSPPC Director and other senior colleagues on science policy issues and links this information to recurring and special activities such as the development of various strategic plans, preparation for hearings, responses to inquiries from public policymakers, and development of program assessments. Writes policy and communications documents, prepares talking points and briefing materials for the OSPPC Director and other senior federal staff, and plays a key role in the development of research planning documents. Identifies trends in and emerging or potential problems/opportunities in science-policy areas that have implications for NIMH. Suggests approaches for responding to such issues.
5. Summarize and interpret the work of researchers and research programs in terms that are understandable to the Congressional or nonprofessional community, to communicate information on activities and plans.
6. Maintains liaison with non-Federal components having related program interests.
7. Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Portions of the final work products representing the OSPPC’s, and NIMH’s activities reflect the incumbent’s analyses of the published scientific literature and other relevant information. This includes developing a broad range of recurring and special reports containing substantive federal program and fiscal data relating to mental health research support and progress. Another primary responsibility is the maintenance of a satisfactory, tactful liaison with public policymakers, other federal agencies, and non-Federal organizations having related programs, interests, and requirements. To this end, the incumbent will prepare oral and written reports, in response to inquiries from the public, voluntary agencies, the Administration, the Congress, and private citizens.

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

A Health Science Policy Analyst announcement will be available through www.usajobs.gov , Thursday, April 4 through Monday, April 8, 2024.

Visit the Health Science Policy Analyst, GS-601-12/13 vacancy announcements, DE  (open to the public), and/or MP  (status candidates) to apply. Applications must be submitted online from April 4, 2024, until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on April 8, 2024. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, including a 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.