Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) Center for Global Mental Health Research (CGMHR)

Program Overview

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) seeks exceptional candidates to fill the Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) position within the Center for Global Mental Health Research (CGMHR). The CGMHR spearheads the NIMH’s efforts to advance scientific understanding and innovation in global mental health, with a particular focus on addressing the complex challenges faced in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

By leveraging expertise and resources from across NIMH divisions, offices, and centers, the CGMHR drives transformative research that addresses critical gaps in mental health knowledge and practice. Its collaborative and interdisciplinary approach ensures the development of high-impact, contextually informed research to address mental health care challenges, emphasizing the importance of engaging diverse populations, communities, and research environments, and LMICs. This commitment broadens perspectives, diversifies evidence bases, and accelerates the discovery of effective interventions worldwide. The Center’s research programs focus on advancing knowledge in areas such as suicide prevention, the development of scalable mental health interventions, and the integration of mental health care into broader health systems. These programs provide the foundation for exploring nuances in mental health conditions, identifying universal and context-specific determinants, and driving innovations in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment across diverse populations. Recognizing the interconnected challenges and opportunities created by population movements, economic shifts, and advances in communication technologies, the CGMHR empowers the mental health research community contributing to scientific advancements that address mental health disparities and improve outcomes worldwide.

Position Duties

As a Health Scientist Administrator, the selected candidate will manage a portfolio of grants and cooperative agreements, participating in collaborative efforts with other NIH Institutes and federal departments or agencies as appropriate. Key responsibilities include identifying opportunities to advance mental health research, addressing critical gaps in knowledge, recommending new research initiatives, and providing expert guidance on research proposals within the assigned program area. This position requires working both independently and collaboratively and offers opportunities to impact research and training priorities, develop new initiatives, and contribute to the advancement of global mental health research.

Qualifications

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and have successfully obtained an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree from an accredited college university, in an academic field of the health or pertinent sciences allied to mental health or mental health-related research. Strong organizational, oral, written, and communication skills are required. Successful candidates are subject to a background check.

Experience managing research programs and coordinating professional groups and associations' activities is also desirable. Experience with the grant review process is preferable. Successful candidates are subject to a background investigation 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). 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 . 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 .

Interested parties should also send a letter of interest, including a curriculum vitae, to NIMHsearch@mail.nih.gov and Dr. Leonardo Cubillos, Director, CGHMR at leonardo.cubillos@nih.gov.

Benefits

The Program Officer will be appointed at a salary commensurate with their qualifications and experience. In addition, full federal benefits, including leave, health and life insurance, long-term care insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401K equivalent), will be provided.

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.