Senior Service Fellow (Research Psychologist)

Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Sub-Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Center Name: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Salary: $102,597–$133,373

Work Schedule: Full-Time

Appointment Duration:3 years initial appointment with opportunity for extension

Bargaining Unit Status: Bargaining Unit

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the agency Americans trust with their lives. As a global leader in public health, CDC is the nation’s premier health promotion, prevention, and preparedness agency. Whether we are protecting the American people from public health threats, researching emerging diseases, or mobilizing public health programs with our domestic and international partners, we rely on our employees to make a real difference in the health and well-being of our people here and around the world.

Position

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) invites fellowship applications for a full-time Senior Service Fellow (Research Psychologist equivalent) position to work in the Social Science and Translation Research Branch (SSTRB). This position is with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Division of Science Integration (DSI), located in Cincinnati, OH.

This is a full-time position being offered as part of the CDC’s Service Fellowship program under Title 42 of the U.S. Code. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. CDC service fellows are considered federal employees with most of the rights and benefits provided to permanent civil service employees. The initial fellowship appointment will be for three years with potential for renewal based upon performance and available NIOSH funding. Salary will be based on education and experience. Fellows will be eligible for government health and retirement benefits.

The successful candidate will join a highly productive, multidisciplinary team of scientists and public health professionals who conduct social and behavioral science research to better understand psychosocial and work organization factors affecting worker health and well-being, as well as social determinants of occupational health. This branch is focused on conducting research that informs better approaches to workplace safety and health interventions for many populations of workers at disproportionate injury risk including immigrant workers, young workers, aging workers, and contingent workers.

An increasing focus of the Branch is exploring effective approaches for addressing mental health within the U.S. workforce. We are seeking a mental health expert to join our team and lead independent research on worker mental health.

Duties

The incumbent will:

• Propose, design, and conduct research projects addressing mental health outcomes and contributing factors among U.S. workers across a variety of industries and occupations.
• Lead multi-faceted projects to implement interventions in various workplaces and assess their effectiveness in addressing worker mental health.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in the design and implementation of applied research addressing mental health outcomes and contributing factors among workers.
• Collaborate and provide expert scientific and technical advice to develop guidelines and directions for future NIOSH policy; assist other federal agencies as well as various state health agencies and other organizations, as requested.
• Identify and analyze workplace mental health issues and their impact on individuals, workplaces, and the public health community at large.
• Consult with scientists, statisticians, and program management to support research studies/projects through application of best public health practices in all aspects of the study or survey including design, implementation, analysis, and interpretation.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences; publish government reports and scientific manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.

Basic Qualifications

GS-13 or Equivalent:

This position requires a Ph.D. in psychology from an Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (APA)-accredited or Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS)-accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology, with a strong focus on quantitative, analytic, and statistical methods for social and behavioral science research. Demonstrated expertise in mental health research is required. Experience in public health (occupational safety and health) preferred.

This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.

Highly qualified candidates would possess the following:

• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize research studies, obtain funding, lead and contribute to multi-disciplinary teams, set project standards, monitor progress, and communicate both interim and final results to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated focus on and interest in public health research, including in occupational safety and health.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with excellent interpersonal skills.
• A successful track record of peer-reviewed journal publications and professional presentations in the social and behavioral sciences.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Basic Requirements

• Both US citizens and non-US citizens are eligible to apply
• Note: Non-US citizens meeting the above degree and specified specialized experience requirements are eligible for noncompetitive appointments under this appointing authority. Citizens of countries on the Non-Aligned list (including China, India, and Switzerland) are eligible for this appointment. Citizens of countries that have been determined by the U.S. Secretary of State to be State Sponsors of Terrorism will not be able to obtain a security clearance to work at CDC and should not be considered for this appointing authority. Countries currently on this list include North Korea, Iran, Sudan, and Syria.
• Successful completion of a background investigation
• Up to 10% domestic travel may be required

This position has an education requirement: Upon request, you must submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package; however, official transcripts will be required prior to receiving an official offer. Failure to submit transcripts or indicated college courses information will cause loss of consideration for this position. Two letters of reference from outside of CDC will also be required prior to receiving an official offer.

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

For further information, review the new hire information page.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Cover letter describing past and current mental health and public health research experience
• Copies of 2–3 significant publications
• Unofficial transcript(s)
• Contact information for three references

EEO Policy

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

How to Apply

View the full announcement to learn more about the position qualifications, requirements, and apply by 11:59 PM EST, September 30, 2023. Please list the position you are applying to in the subject line of the email.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed and there will be interviews. If selected, the following documentation will be required:

• Official transcripts issued directly to the CDC (these may be sent to the program or to HR by the school).
• Human Resources, in coordination with the program office, will notify the selectee and negotiate the effective date of the position.

Apply now to join us and be part of an exciting team conducting research and providing guidance on the occupational safety and health!