Lead Cybersecurity Operations at the National Institutes of Health

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) stands at the forefront of global biomedical research, saving lives and driving health innovation. To maintain this mission, the NIH requires world-class cybersecurity infrastructure. We are currently searching for a dedicated and experienced Supervisory IT Specialist (INFOSEC) to join our Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). This GS-15 leadership position offers a unique opportunity to shape the security posture of the largest biomedical research agency in the world.

Job Responsibilities

As a Supervisory IT Specialist, you will report directly to the NIH Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Your primary responsibilities will include:

Advisory Leadership: Provide expert guidance to the CIO, Deputy CIO, and CISO regarding significant security activities.
Incident Response: Oversee the detection, analysis, and response to security incidents across the enterprise.
Program Management: Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the agency-wide Information Security Operations Program.
Staff Oversight: Manage and mentor multidisciplinary teams of IT professionals to ensure high performance and policy compliance.

Comparison: Experience Requirements

Feature	Requirement Detail
Grade Level	GS-15 Federal Level
Core Expertise	Large-scale Information Security Operations
Key Skills	Incident Response & Risk Mitigation
Certification (Preferred)	CISSP or PMP

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in four core competencies: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Oral Communication, and Problem Solving. Additionally, you must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level (or equivalent) in a relevant IT security field.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive compensation package aligned with the GS-15 pay scale, ranging from $169,279 to $197,200 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Employees of the NIH enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Federal Health and Life Insurance.
Pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
Generous annual and sick leave.
Work-life balance with telework options.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Use the two-page limit to highlight your leadership achievements rather than duties.
Review the Questionnaire: Your responses are vital for the initial screening.
Prepare for Assessments: Be ready to dedicate up to two hours for the required USA Hire competencies.

If you are an experienced cybersecurity leader looking to secure the backbone of world-class medical research, this role at the NIH is the perfect next step. Apply today to help us continue protecting the future of human health.

Why This Supervisory It Specialist (Infosec) Job Matters

Lead the future of cybersecurity at the world’s premier biomedical research organization and safeguard mission-critical data.

Supervisory It Specialist (Infosec) Job Overview

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking a visionary Supervisory IT Specialist (INFOSEC) to join the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). This GS-15 leadership role reports directly to the NIH Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). You will be responsible for spearheading agency-wide security operations, incident response protocols, and providing expert advisory services to senior leadership to protect the integrity of global biomedical research.

Requirements for Supervisory It Specialist (Infosec)

Must be a U.S. citizen.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level in Federal service.
Proven track record in managing large-scale Information Security Operations programs.
Experience providing expert-level advisory services to senior leadership.
Ability to lead and oversee detection, analysis, and response to complex IT security incidents.
Supervisory experience leading multidisciplinary IT security teams.
Must pass a rigorous background check and drug testing due to the sensitive nature of the position.
Must be able to maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory It Specialist (Infosec)

Demonstrated experience in enterprise cybersecurity operations leadership.
Proven ability to coordinate high-impact, multi-organizational investigations with law enforcement partners.
Possession of a current Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.
Possession of a current Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary package.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Federal retirement benefits, including pension and TSP contributions.
✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Flexible telework arrangements where applicable.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory It Specialist (Infosec) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory It Specialist (Infosec) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, highlighting specific relevant accomplishments.
Complete the mandatory online application questionnaire.
Submit your application and documentation via the official USAJobs portal by the closing date.
If prompted, complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments within the provided timeframe.
Monitor your application status through your USAJobs dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; additional pages will not be reviewed.
Use standard, readable fonts like Arial or Helvetica for all application documents.
Focus on accomplishments and specific IT security outcomes rather than just copying duty descriptions.
Ensure all contact information is accurate, as recruiters may reach out for interviews.
Complete the assessment early to avoid technical issues at the last minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security clearance requirement for this role?

This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance and is designated as Special-Sensitive (High Risk).

Is this a remote position?

No, this position is located in Montgomery County, Maryland, and is not a remote role, though it is telework-eligible.

What happens if I miss the application deadline?

The system will not accept applications after 11:59 PM ET on the closing date. No extensions are granted for technical difficulties.

What is the residency requirement for this role?

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this federal position.

Can I apply if I don't have a CISSP or PMP?

Yes, these are preferred, not mandatory. However, your resume must clearly demonstrate equivalent expertise in leading large-scale IT operations.

Job from National Institutes Of Health

The NIH is the primary agency of the U.S. government responsible for biomedical and public health research. Comprising 27 distinct Institutes and Centers, the NIH fosters a complex, high-stakes IT environment that requires robust, agile, and secure information management. As part of the OCIO, you will work at the intersection of groundbreaking science and high-level national security.