Job Summary
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is seeking a well-established expert in cancer and biomedical research and medical decision modeling to serve as the Advisor in Bioinformatics in the Surveillance Research Program (SRP), Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS). The NCI is the principal agency of the Federal Government for cancer research and for carrying out the National Cancer Program. DCCPS aims to reduce cancer risk, incidence, and death and enhance quality of life for cancer survivors by supporting innovative research and recommending ways to apply that research in qualify health care delivery. SRP provides a quantitative portrait of cancer and its determinants in a defined population. The core functions of cancer surveillance are the measurement of cancer incidence, morbidity, survival, and mortality for persons with cancer. This position is integral to SRP’s mission of advancing the understanding of the causes and distribution of cancer in populations, supporting the development and delivery of effective interventions, and monitoring and explaining cancer trends. The Advisor in Bioinformatics will advance data collection, analysis, and reporting – activities that serve to establish and maintain priorities in the science of cancer surveillance. SRP is home of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, a system of population-based cancer registries that serve as the nation’s premier source for cancer statistics. The expertise required for this position includes bioinformatics, statistical methodology, and application of computational and modeling methods to big data.
The Advisor in Bioinformatics will provide leadership in the use of innovative methodologies, statistical design, and data science for surveillance research at the NCI and NIH. The incumbent will also provide consultation to Institute leadership in establishing policies involving highly complex, novel statistical support for research with underserved populations. The following are major responsibilities of the Advisor in Bioinformatics:
- Advise the Surveillance Research Program Associate Director and the branch/program on bioinformatics and statistical approaches for cancer control data collection and reporting.
- Coordinate a program of population-based cancer statistics for the analysis and interpretation of patterns and trends in cancer control and population sciences.
- Direct and supervise a team of researchers on experimental design, sample size, mechanics of data collection and management.
- Inform reports of key measures of progress along the cancer control continuum and use national trend data to illustrate where improvements have been made.
- Provide authoritative leadership in statistical analysis activities on the impact of cancer control initiatives and lead the design for new data products.
- Provide technical expertise and direction about the broad applications of bioinformatics, computational biology, statistical design, and data science in cancer prevention and control research.
The successful candidate must be a well-established expert in cancer and biomedical research and statistics.
Required Qualifications
- Candidates must possess a doctoral level degree in bioinformatics or a statistics-related field, or a medical degree, or a doctoral or master’s level degree in statistics, bioinformatics, or a related or emerging field.
- Candidates must meet U.S. Office of Personnel Management educational and qualification standards for the scientific discipline directly related to their position and must furnish proof that they meet all educational (i.e., official transcripts) and other (e.g., licensure, Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)) requirements.
- Extensive knowledge of the science of bioinformatics with a solid grasp of the strengths and limitations of specific statistical approaches, knowledge of new methodologic developments in statistical analysis, as well as understanding of the challenges and opportunities in cancer surveillance and the more general area of biomedical research.
- Expertise in cancer research with a strong understanding of mathematical and applied statistics, economics, simulation, biomedical informatics, health communication, and computer science to create simulation models that help solve the challenges of integrating clinical data into optimal decision-making tools.
- Strong understanding of NCI’s current and planned extramural research initiatives as well as the research issues that have potential relevance to cancer surveillance.
- Experience in leading multidisciplinary groups in bioinformatics and statistical strategies and initiatives.
- Experience in establishing successful partnerships with a broad range of agencies and non-federal organizations.
- Leadership experience in leading highly visible national cancer surveillance research program is highly desirable.
Benefits
The successful candidate will be appointed as a Senior Biomedical Research and Biomedical Product Assessment Service (SBRBPAS), at a salary commensurate with experience. A full package of benefits is available, including retirement, health and life insurance, long term care insurance, annual and sick leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent). A recruitment or relocation bonus may be available, and relocation expenses may be paid. The successful candidate may be subject to a background investigation and public financial disclosure requirements.
Location of position will be as advertised but may be negotiable with certain participating program areas after selection and an onboarding period. If a remote opportunity is negotiated, the individual must adhere to all regulations and policies regarding remote work at NIH and in the federal government, including the signing of a remote work agreement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
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. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants.
Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure
If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency.
Foreign Education
This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to 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. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Learn more about Foreign Education.
Reasonable Accommodation
You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.