The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) is pleased to announce our intent to hire a Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) to support the Voice, Speech, and Language Program. Program officers support extramural researchers applying for and awarded funding, set priorities for advancing the field, and lead NIH/NIDCD strategic initiatives. The Voice, Speech, and Language Program uses a wide range of research approaches to understand the nature of communication disorders and to develop effective diagnostic and intervention strategies for people with communication disorders.

Funded research in voice, speech, and language has been growing at NIDCD, necessitating the creation of a new program officer position to better serve the community. Although individuals with expertise across all areas of voice, speech, and language are of interest for this new position, people with expertise in neurogenic voice, speech, and language disorders (e.g., aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia) would complement our existing expertise in voice and developmental speech and language disorders.

This position will contribute to larger NIH/NIDCD strategic initiatives. Of particular interest for these efforts are individuals with expertise in clinical practice research (e.g., clinical trials), global health, minority health, and/or health disparities.

The position is open to those at entry level (new doctoral graduates, GS-12 in the government classification system) through senior level (those with many years of experience, GS-15 in the government classification system), with equal consideration across experience levels. U.S. citizenship is required. Applications from women, persons from underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged. HHS, NIH, and NIDCD are equal opportunity employers. NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community through its training and employment program.

How to Apply

Those interested in learning more about the program officer role at NIDCD and/or the application process are strongly encouraged to contact the current program officers for Voice, Speech, and Language: Holly Storkel, Ph.D., and Lisa Kopf, Ph.D.

Official applications must be submitted through the forthcoming USAJOBS vacancy announcement for NIH Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer). We anticipate that the application portal will open on January 13, 2025, and close on January 22, 2025. Applications must be submitted through USAJOBS.gov by January 22, 2005. All questions should be referred to the listed HR contact. For salary information, refer to the vacancy announcement, which will include position title, series, and grade levels. A full civil service package of benefits (including retirement, health, life, and long-term care insurance, and Thrift Savings Plan) is available. This position is subject to a background investigation.

Please check the NIH Global Recruitment Vacancies page or the NIDCD Job Opportunities page often for more information about this forthcoming announcement. In addition to the required application materials, applicants are strongly encouraged to include a cover letter specifically mentioning an interest in the NIDCD Voice, Speech, and Language program officer position. Note that the process for applying for a government position is a bit different than typical academic or postdoctoral positions. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to learn about the process early by visiting the NIH: Information for Applicants pages and NIH: Federal Resume Tips by beginning to assemble their materials prior to the brief application period.