Scientific Information Officer (Nih)

The National Eye Institute (NEI), National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is seeking applications for a Scientific Information Officer (SIO) position in its intramural research program. This position is located in the Office of the Scientific Director (OSD), Division of Intramural Research (DIR), National Eye Institute (NEI). The OSD supports basic and clinical research within the Intramural Research Program (IRP) that is carried out by over 250 researchers (investigators, staff scientists and clinicians, and scientific support staff) in various research disciplines. The role of the SIO is to develop and maintain a scientific IT program that enables NEI scientists to conduct research utilizing the latest computational and data science approaches. The successful SIO candidate will have a track record of building and maintaining scientific IT infrastructure and services and possess substantial expertise in the areas of bioinformatics and computational biology. The SIO will strengthen NEI’s diverse research program by creating new, integrated tools to transform and analyze data; designing and building scientific databases; and developing and implementing an advanced scientific IT infrastructure.

The SIO will build a talented team responsible for designing and developing bioinformatics, data science, and artificial intelligence based systems for use in ocular and neuroscience research. These tools will be used to enhance bioinformatics and computational methods to answer biological questions in ocular and neuroscience research. The SIO will support clinical research activities by collaborating in the development of machine learning and AI approaches that integrate multiple modalities, advanced statistical methods, and data management approaches. 

The SIO will collaborate closely with the NEI Informational Technology Management Branch (ITMB) to support NEI IRP focused ITMB activities. They will provide advice, strategy, and cross-cutting technical project management, including for the NEI scientific data storage system. The SIO will work closely with the OSD and ITMB to plan and review tactical and strategic IT efforts, budget planning, outreach and training, and NIH wide IT initiatives.

This SIO must have a PhD or equivalent degree in an appropriate field, but more importantly, possess breadth and depth of scientific IT knowledge that will support the mission of NIH. These competencies will be reflected by a strong record of accomplishments and recognition by peers as a thought leader in the application of advanced computing techniques to answer biological questions.

The SIO ideally has experience supervising, managing, and leading staff, including individuals highly skilled in computational techniques. The SIO will have a successful track record of collaboration and leadership. Lastly, the ideal candidate is expected to have strong communications skills, both oral and written, on scientific IT issues and in computational biology, and be capable of addressing diverse audiences including ones without computational biology knowledge/skills; excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills; and initiative, pragmatism, sound judgement, and resourcefulness to inspire others, leverage resources, manage risk and achieve organizational goals.

Salary is commensurate with experience and accomplishments. A full civil-service package of benefits is available. Individuals from groups underrepresented in biomedical research are especially encouraged to apply. U.S. citizenship is not required, and resident or nonresident aliens eligible to obtain a valid employment-authorizing visa are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must submit the following as a single pdf document:

1. Curriculum vitae (CV)
2. Description of leadership and outreach activities that demonstrate a commitment to increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in bioinformatics and computational biology. (Note: This is an important part of the application that will be rated.) (1 page max)
3. Provide contact information for three references. If you are a current NIH employee, at least one reference should be from an individual external to NIH.

All materials should be submitted to Mica McNair at NEIOSDSIOApplications@nei.nih.gov with the candidate’s name and position title in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed 60 days after this ad first appears and will be accepted until the position is filled. Informal inquiries are welcome.

HHS, NIH and NEI ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS DEDICATED TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND ACCESSIBILITY

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