Policy Analyst 4

GovCIO is currently hiring for a Health Science Policy Analyst to perform a variety of duties related to supporting improved programs, policies, planning and risk analysis for initiatives in human and environmental health, and related areas of education and research. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Science Policy (OSP), directed by the Associate Director for Science Policy (ADSP), leads the development of new research policies and programs in a variety of arenas across the spectrum of basic, clinical, and translational research. The Office serves as primary advisors to the NIH Director and NIH leadership on new, emerging science policy issues affecting biomedical research. The scope of responsibilities of the Health Science Policy Analyst position encompasses the full range of science and public policy relevant to NIH's biomedical research enterprise.

This position will be located in Bethesda, Maryland and will be an onsite position.

Develops and/or coordinates improved policies, methods, procedures, instructions, and forms to achieve greater operations efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Serves as a technical resource for science policy, analysis, and development at NIH on issues of significance to the agency and the biomedical research community; address cross-cutting science policy issues and participates in drafting the agency approach and position; provides leadership in developing major analysis of broad planning issues affecting the programs and policies of the major program components of NIH; participates in the development of new policy and program initiatives in emerging research areas; plans and organizes major conferences that provide an interface between science and public policy; prepares special studies and reports required by the OD/NIH; serves as a principal staff resource for identifying and reporting on agency research opportunities and accomplishments; and provides ad hoc and continuing staff assistance on a wide range of substantive topics to the NIH.
• Provides scientific expertise and analysis to support decision-makers confronting increasingly complex scientific and technical issues. Responsible for highly complex and sensitive policy studies.
• Conducts policy-relevant research and other activities that address challenges in the biomedical research arena.
• Participates in the development of new policy and program initiatives in emerging research areas.
• Develops reports and other staff documents on the policies, programs, plans, research accomplishments, and other activities of the NIH.
• In consultation with the appropriate NIH staff, assists in drafting sections of reports on the scientific initiatives and advances generated by NIH program activities, as required by Congress during the annual appropriations process.  These reports must reflect the policies and priorities of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the NIH, while fully responding to the request made by the House or Senate Appropriations committees.  These reports frequently involve controversial, highly visible subject areas.
• Works with a team to summarize and interpret the work of investigators and research programs in terms that are understandable to the Congressional or lay community in order to communicate information on activities and plans and to support current and requested research budget levels.
• Provides scientific expertise related to one or more programs, studies, or activities of a difficult and complex nature in terms of their social, economic, cultural, governmental, and/or political implications, and participates in program direction, guidance and review.
• Serves as a liaison with policy-level officials.
• Under the guidance of the Division Director, drafts responses to correspondence from diverse sources on a range of subjects pertaining to the policies, programs, and activities of the NIH.
• Provides OD staff support as part of the OSP team for special science policy assignments and requests made by the DHHS Secretary, NIH Director or Deputy Director, and the OSP Director.  These assignments are made frequently by agency leadership and involve independent analysis and evaluation of significant problems or questions pertaining to NIH activities, programs, and policies.  Assignments involve the consideration of the agency’s role in an activity or program that may cut across Institute, Center and Division (ICD) lines and Public Health Service (PHS) agency lines, as well as across other Federal Departments.  Assignments also address the impact of Administration policy and Developmental/PHS directives and plans upon the agency and include recommended approaches for responding to issues raised.
• Provides staff support to expert committees and major meetings organized by the OSP to address major program and science policy issues.  As needed may be involved in any of the following roles:  developing the agenda; identifying potential participants; identifying and participating in the development of all necessary background materials; preparing talking points and slides; overseeing logistical arrangements; arranging for public testimony keeping ICs informed of the process and deliberations; preparing meeting summaries and/or overseeing the meeting report preparation, editing, reviewing, printing, and distribution process; and carrying out follow-up actions.
• Prepares a variety of written documents to present findings and recommendations for the development and implementation of policies related to complex program issues.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Bachelors with 8+ years (or commensurate experience)

Required Skills and Experience

• Comprehensive experience and in-depth knowledge of biomedical research and the ability to translate complex biomedical research concepts for lay audiences.

• Experience and knowledge of basic and/or translational research.

• Comprehensive capacity to quickly establish knowledge and make appropriate contacts in new areas as assigned.

• Comprehensive knowledge of basic science concepts, biomedical advisory bodies, and current science policy issues.

• In-depth knowledge of complex biomedical research concepts, administrative laws, policies, regulations, and precedents relevant to NIH and OSP as well as the agency's mandate, mission, priorities, goals, and objectives.

• Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, to make clear, convincing presentations, explain and justify recommendations, represent assigned program or project areas, provide guidance and advise program administrators, respond to inquiries, and interact with high level officials and representatives from public and private public health organizations.

Clearance Required: Must be able to attain a position of Public Trust with NIH