Health Scientist Administrator/Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrator in Affective Science and Psychological Development

NIA's Division of Behavioral and Social Research (BSR) offers a scientifically energizing and collegial environment with opportunities to engage the scientific community and support innovative social, behavioral, psychological, and economic research in aging and Alzheimer’s disease.

The health care landscape in the United States and around the world has shifted dramatically to a rapid uptake of digital health technologies delivered online across a variety of platforms for studying and addressing health and disease management. In many cases, these technologies may not reach to populations in greatest need, including older adults and those in underserved communities. Digital technologies have the potential to improve our understanding of health status, to measure functional capacities in real-world settings, to track the course of illnesses and recovery, to provide real-time interventions, and to enhance the healthcare system for individuals as they age. Digital technology can also make possible new models of chronic disease management, more effective home-based care, and successful aging-in-place.

Role

Affective Science and Psychological Development: This program officer will support a research grant portfolio in psychological and behavioral science relevant to the life course, psychological development, and/or aging, with a focus on affective processes, including emotion, well-being, resilience, personality processes, motivation, and related phenomena. The responsibilities of the position include planning and developing new initiatives to address knowledge gaps and research opportunities in selected topics related to aging and/or Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, within the Division of Behavioral and Social Research’s areas of scientific oversight; collaborating where appropriate with program counterparts in other DBSR branches, NIA Divisions, and NIH ICOs; interacting where appropriate with NIA scientific review officers and other NIA staff to advance DBSR research initiatives; communicating NIA and NIH policy and research priorities to the scientific community; providing technical assistance to prospective applicants. The ideal candidate should have experience in psychological science, with specialty in affective science, personality, motivation, life span development, or related topics.

Who Should Apply?

Program Officer candidates will have opportunities to cultivate a portfolio of grant-supported research; lead and participate in transdisciplinary research collaborations; and develop scientific programming (e.g., symposia, special journal issues, conferences, and workshops). Ideal candidates should possess a relevant health-related doctoral degree (e.g. MD, PhD, DSc) or a relevant health-related doctoral degree in behavioral or social science. Applicants should have strong organization skills, excellent written and oral communication, including strong skills in developing presentations and briefing materials, working knowledge of NIH funding mechanisms and grants management. Applicants should be self-starters who have experience working independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams. Prior experience in aging research is ideal, but not required. Program Officers are also known has Health Scientist Administrators (HSA) and Social and Behavioral Scientist Administrators (SBSA).

How to Apply

Interested parties should be U.S. citizens or Nationals. Foreign nationals or legal permanent residents are not eligible for consideration. Candidates must indicate their U.S. citizenship status on their CV or within their email application submission. They should contact and send resumes to [email protected].

DHHS, NIH, and NIA are Equal Opportunity Employers.

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.