Job Opportunities in Cancer Epidemiology and Genomics Research

The Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program (EGRP) within the National Cancer Institute's Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences welcomes letters of interest from scientists with physical activity expertise to serve as a Program Officer in its Risk Factor Assessment Branch (RFAB).

About RFAB

One of EGRP’s five branches, RFAB focuses on (1) the development, evaluation, and dissemination of high-quality risk factor metrics, methods, tools, technologies, and resources for use across the cancer research continuum, and (2) the assessment of cancer-related risk factors in the population.

RFAB's mission is to support planning, developing, directing, coordinating, and evaluating a comprehensive program of research aimed at:

• Developing and validating tools for measuring the full complexity of a range of cancer-related risk factors across the lifespan, sociocultural subgroups, and socioecological contexts. Examples of risk factors include, but are not limited to: diet, physical activity, and weight management.
• Overseeing methods used to examine distributions and determinants of cancer-related risk factors in the general population and among subgroups, to assist in informing clinical and public policies that address these factors.
• Synthesizing and disseminating findings from the research supported by RFAB to the public, health care professionals, scientists engaged in cancer control, and the public health community.

RFAB advances research in risk factor assessment through a portfolio of grants related to risk factor assessment and obesity policy research, as well as collaborative scientific activities within the division, across NCI/NIH, throughout the federal government, and with key stakeholders at partner organizations. RFAB also develops, supports, maintains, evaluates, and updates numerous tools for the broad scientific community related to the assessment and evaluation of diet, obesity, and physical activity.

Position Description

The Program Officer will collaborate with a group of epidemiologists, nutritionists, physical activity scientists, pre- and postdoctoral fellows, and administrative staff to develop and support innovative research initiatives, tools, and collaborations for broad scientific areas, such as diet assessment, physical activity assessment, dietary patterns, diet and physical activity measures and methods, measurement error, nutritional biomarkers, and obesity policy.

Interested candidates are welcome to explore EGRP’s online staff directory and contact any of our staff members to learn more about RFAB.

EGRP Program Officers enjoy a scientifically energizing and collegial environment with opportunities to:

• Manage and mentor engaged scientific and programmatic staff, fellows, and trainees;
• Develop research and funding priorities to cultivate a diverse portfolio of grant-supported research;
• Lead and participate in cross-disciplinary collaborations in public, private, and academic sectors;
• Develop national and international scientific programming (e.g., symposia, special journal issues and supplements, conferences, and workshops);
• Conduct independent research, publish, and present at professional meetings; and
• Inform documents and reports to advance the public health agenda in disease prevention and control.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates should possess a PhD, ScD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree; have a record of oversight and/or authorship of exceptional publications, and have a proven track record in epidemiology, surveillance, and/or measurement research related to physical activity research. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, and we strongly welcome candidates from underrepresented groups.

Announcement Details

The anticipated full-time position is based in Rockville, Maryland; excellent benefits will be provided. For more information about federal employment, see https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/.

This announcement will be for a career position with the U.S. government; U.S. citizenship is required for this position. The position will be subject to a background investigation. Educational qualifications verified by official transcripts and submission of a Confidential Financial Disclosure OGE Form 450 will be required. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to ethnicity, gender, national origin, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. The Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and National Cancer Institute are Equal Opportunity Employers.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and CV to NCIEpiCommunications@mail.nih.gov. Please include the following in the e-mail subject line: RFAB PD 2020.

Inquiries

Any questions about this application announcement can be sent via e-mail to NCIEpiCommunications@mail.nih.gov.

The Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program (EGRP), Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS), National Cancer Institute (NCI), has an opening for a Fellow with an interest in project management, evaluation, planning, coordination and analysis.

NCI is the primary federal agency responsible for cancer research and is part of NIH and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). EGRP manages a comprehensive program of grant-supported, population-based research on the determinants of cancer. This fellowship opportunity is with the Office of the Associate Director (OAD), which develops and implements the mission and scientific and strategic agenda of EGRP. Learn more about EGRP at https://epi.grants.cancer.gov/about/.

The fellowship offers a rich learning experience that will afford the successful candidate the opportunity to work with teams of scientists and public health professionals at NCI, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and institutions around the country.

Position Description

The successful candidate will help coordinate, evaluate, and manage highly visible programmatic projects in the OAD and across EGRP. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: managing planning activities for major funded research initiatives in EGRP; preparing reports; supporting strategic planning efforts; maintenance of databases; coordinating the evaluation of the EGRP grant portfolio. The incumbent would also help manage, coordinate, and plan special projects with the Associate Director including help with preparing and organizing presentations and proposals, and conducting literature searches. Additional duties include participating in and assisting with EGRP-supported scientific meetings, webinars, and other project management tasks.

Qualifications

• Master’s-level degree in epidemiology, public health, biological sciences, public administration, business administration or other related fields strongly preferred; willing to consider candidates with a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience in public administration or business administration.
• A strong interest and excellent skills in project management.
• Experience reviewing, analyzing, and summarizing data.
• Excellent data management skills.
• Experience with coordinating or planning meetings desired, but not required.
• Excellent attention to detail and interpersonal, organizational, planning and writing skills.
• The ability to work independently and on teams.
• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Stipend and Benefits

The CRTA appointment is a one-year award, with the option to renew for an additional year. The starting salary is approximately $42,600 for a trainee with a relevant master’s degree. Salary is commensurate with experience and education. Health benefits and training opportunities are provided.

Application Deadline and Start Date

The position is open immediately; start date is negotiable. The position will remain open until filled.

Application Requirements

• A one-page cover letter explaining your interest in this position, as well as how you see this position furthering your career goals (include your earliest start date).
• CV or resume.
• Contact information for two professional references, along with a brief description of the type and duration of your relationship with these individuals.

How to Apply

All application materials must be submitted electronically to nciEGRPjobs@mail.nih.gov. Please include the following in the e-mail subject line: OAD CRTA 2020.

Inquiries

Audrey Wellons, M.P.H.
National Cancer Institute
Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program
Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences
9609 Medical Center Drive, Rm. 4E220, MSC 9763
Bethesda, MD 20892
(For express delivery, use Rockville, MD 20850)
240-276-6716
audrey.wellons@nih.gov

HHS, NIH, and NCI are Equal Opportunity Employers.