Education Outreach Specialist

This position is in the Education and Community Involvement Branch (ECIB) within the Division of Genomics and Society (DGS) of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI).  The NHGRI strives to improve the health of all humans through advances in genomics research. This is accomplished by accelerating scientific and medical breakthroughs that improve human health by driving cutting-edge research, developing new technologies, and studying the impact of genomics on society. The Institute conducts research in its own facilities, directs research carried out under contracts, and provides grant support of research and training in non-federal institutions in the United States and abroad.

The ECIB is responsible for advising the institute director and senior staff on a broad range of issues regarding public engagement and community involvement matters, developing and implementing public education programs, evaluating public education activities, and coordinating public education initiatives. The ECIB develops community involvement programs throughout the country to engage a broad range of the public in understanding genomics and accompanying ethical, legal, and social issues. ECIB conducts and coordinates community involvement and education initiatives, evaluates community involvement and education programs, and acts as the liaison between the institute and community-based organizations. 

This position serves as an expert in developing and coordinating innovative and comprehensive nationwide genomic science education and community engagement programs; develops and disseminates genomics educational content and resources; conducts program evaluations, needs assessments, and other stakeholder engagement activities to improve education and engagement programs and offerings; plans and serves as an expert at meetings, conferences, seminars, and other gatherings. This person will oversee ECIB’s genomic data science/bioinformatics educational initiatives. 

The NHGRI seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to lead genomic data science/bioinformatics education initiatives at a dynamic and diverse organization. Ideal candidates will have knowledge in the development of education and outreach programs involving in biology, biomedical sciences, or genetics/genomics and expertise in the development, implementation, management and evaluation of K-16 education, workforce development, and community initiatives, especially focused on genomic data science/bioinformatics. 

A diverse pool of applicants is sought, and qualified individuals from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.  

The selected individual will be appointed at a salary commensurate with their qualifications and experience. Relocation expenses may be paid. Full Federal benefits, including leave, health, and life insurance; long-term care insurance; retirement; and savings plan (401K equivalent) will be provided. 

Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, with no discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.  

The NIH inspires public confidence in its science by maintaining high ethical principles. NIH employees are subject to federal government-wide regulations and statutes as well as agency-specific regulations described on the NIH Ethics Website. We encourage applicants to review this information. 

NIH provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.  If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us.  The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

This position may be eligible for workplace flexibilities, which may include telework and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the HHS Workplace Flexibilities policy.