How to apply to HHS as a scientist

Agencies within HHS provide a range of opportunities for researchers and scientists in a variety of fields. Below is information on positions in some of the agencies that offer rewarding career paths to qualified candidates:

Food & Drug Administration

The FDA mission is to protect and advance public health by helping to speed innovations that provide our nation with safe and effective medical products and that keep our food safe and reduce harm from all regulated tobacco products. This mission can only be achieved by leveraging the skills and talents of the many scientists working across the FDA Centers. FDA employs scientists in a wide variety of fields and disciplines, including biologists, chemists, epidemiologists, nurses, pharmacists, pharmacologists, physicians, social or behavioral scientists, statisticians, veterinarians, engineers, and others.

Centers for Disease Control

CDC medical officers/physicians serve as advisors, consultants and administrators. The results of their work are felt worldwide as they conduct cutting-edge medical research, collaborate with and/or provide specialized services to CDC partners, and institutionalize national and international health programs and scientific investigations. Qualifications for a medical officer are determined by the grade level of the position.

National Institutes of Health

As the steward of medical and behavioral research for the Nation, the NIH scientific community encompasses diverse biomedical professionals involved in direct patient care activities, research, and/or scientific administrative roles. Scientific positions at the NIH include nurse researcher, physician-scientist, clinical and basic researchers, and data scientists. Additionally, the NIH supports the next generation of scientists, funding thousands of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows across the United States.

Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)

ASPR's mission is to assist the country in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from public health emergencies and disasters.  ASPR employs scientists that include biologists, chemists, physicists, clinicians and physicians, public health scientists, engineers, data scientists, statisticians, pharmacists, pharmacologists and veterinarians. Many of these scientists work in support of the Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to develop and procure medical countermeasures to address the medical consequences of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. ASPR's scientists work collaboratively to identify, develop, and deliver effective solutions addressing the biggest threats to our Nation.

Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority

Within ASPR, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) mission is to develop and procure medical countermeasures that address the public health and medical consequences of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents; pandemic influenza; and emerging infectious diseases. BARDA scientists are among the world's experts in developing life-saving medical countermeasures and include biologists, chemists, physicists, clinicians and physicians, public health scientists, engineers, data scientists, statisticians, pharmacists, pharmacologists and veterinarians who all work collaboratively to identify, develop and deliver effective solutions addressing the biggest threats to our Nation.

 

Current Opportunities

Director, Division of Research, Innovation & Ventures (DRIVe), RS-0601-00

 


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