Health Scientist

Full Job Description

This position is being filled under a stream-lined hiring authority, Title 21 of the United States Code (21 US Code 379d-3a) as amended by the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016, section 3072 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Section 3624.

The candidate selected for this position will serve under a career or career-conditional appointment and be paid under the provisions of this authority.

This position is being recruited based on the Title 21 Pay Table 1, Band D.

In order to qualify for the Health Scientist position which falls under the 0601 occupational Series, you must meet the following requirements by 11:59 pm EST on 04/17/2026: Minimal Qualifications Requirements for the Health Scientist, AD-0601-00 Education: A Bachelors degree or higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of the position.

OR In addition, to qualify for the Band D level, applicants must meet the qualification requirements below. Band D - Minimum Relevant experience and/or Education Requirements: A.

I have a Doctorate degree and also have 2 years of relevant experience in providing scientific and regulatory expertise related to infant formula and infant formula ingredients; Serves as scientific-regulatory subject matter expert in matters related to infant formula chemistry and composition; Plans, conducts, and directs technical reviews in the scientific fields of nutrition, chemistry, biology, food science.

B.

I have a Master's degree and also have 4 years of relevant experience in providing scientific and regulatory expertise related to infant formula and infant formula ingredients; : Serves as scientific-regulatory subject matter expert in matters related to infant formula chemistry and composition; Plans, conducts, and directs technical reviews in the scientific fields of nutrition, chemistry, biology, food science.

C.

I have a Bachelor's degree and also have 5 years of relevant experience in providing scientific and regulatory expertise related to infant formula and infant formula ingredients; Serves as scientific-regulatory subject matter expert in matters related to infant formula chemistry and composition; Plans, conducts, and directs technical reviews in the scientific fields of nutrition, chemistry, biology, food science.

NOTE: Applicants must submit all relevant transcripts that demonstrate you possess the required education to meet the Basic Qualifications. Major Duties:

Provides expert scientific support in the review, analysis and evaluation of scientific data.

Leads, plans, and conducts comprehensive reviews of data and background materials related to submissions for critical foods or nutrition initiatives.

The findings from these efforts inform decision-making on individual cases and contribute to the development and modification of policies and procedures within the incumbent's area of expertise, ultimately impacting the marketing of products by the regulated industry.

Evaluates new and reformulated infant formulas (both non-exempt and exempt infant formulas), including the use of new ingredients, label claims for special benefits of formula for infants, and nutrition and adverse event-related outcome data for infants; and/or nutrition composition, scientific rationale, and data submitted in support of food labeling regulations and policies.

May also coordinate and guide the work of other staff members in this area. Provides expert scientific review of petitions or notifications and supporting data.

Determines if submitted data are sufficient to resolve any health questions; request any additional data needed; and recommends acceptance or rejection of petitions or notifications.

May also coordinate and guide the work of other staff members in this area.

Serves as a primary reviewer of material developed for regulatory documents (e.g., policy statements, guidance documents, regulations).

Also serves as the primary reviewer of memoranda and communications for industry-developed submission reviews and responses to industry inquiries.

Advises Office management on the need for, and types of, additional research necessary to clarify or resolve issues.

Advise Office management on other recommended actions that may be needed to address issues.

Recommended actions can involve proposed regulations, strategy documents, policy statements, formal guidelines, letters to regulated industry, or various combinations of actions.

Supports all conclusions and recommendations with a scientific rationale.

May brief Center/Office stakeholders (e.g., policy makers, regulated industry) on scientific and regulatory interpretations, analyses, and/or implications.

Makes decisions regarding such things as interpretation of considerable data, planning of work, or refinement of the methods and techniques to be used.

Uses considerable judgement to interpret voluminous data or data that are incomplete or conflicting, or of questionable accuracy, and modify standard methods, practices, or techniques or existing guides to address current and evolving problems or issues.