Lead Public Health Innovation as a Supervisory Social Scientist at the FDA

Are you ready to transition into a high-impact leadership role that directly influences national health policy? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently recruiting a Supervisory Social Scientist to join its Center for Tobacco Products (CTP). This role sits at the intersection of behavioral research, public health policy, and regulatory science.

Job Responsibilities

In this position, you will serve as a recognized expert. Your core duties will include:

Research Leadership: Directing studies that analyze tobacco product information and health communication strategies.
Strategic Advisory: Developing policy and objectives based on high-level social science data.
Team Management: Providing technical and administrative direction to subordinate research staff.
Public Education: Evaluating the effectiveness of public education initiatives across digital and traditional media channels.
Stakeholder Engagement: Presenting scientific findings to federal, state, and local health officials.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-14 position, applicants must meet specific federal eligibility criteria, including:

Relevant educational background (Social Science series 0101).
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Feature	Requirement Status
Citizenship	Required
Education	Behavioral/Social Science Degree
Specialized Experience	1 Year at GS-13 level
Security Clearance	Noncritical-Sensitive

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $107,446 to $139,684 per year, commensurate with experience and the locality pay scale for the Silver Spring, Maryland area.

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Health and Life Insurance options.
FERS retirement plan with matching contributions.
Extensive paid time off and federal holidays.
Professional development and training opportunities.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Federal resumes differ from corporate ones. Ensure you include hours worked per week and specific dates for every position.
Documentation is Key: Have your transcripts and SF-50s ready. Missing these documents is a common reason for disqualification.
Use the USAJOBS Tool: The system provides built-in builders to help you format your federal resume correctly.

This Supervisory Social Scientist position is a unique opportunity to lead transformative public health efforts at the federal level. If you possess the experience and leadership capability to guide complex research and support the FDA's regulatory mission, we encourage you to review the full details and submit your application today.

Why This Supervisory Social Scientist Job Matters

Shape the future of public health policy at the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. Lead critical research and drive initiatives that save lives.

Supervisory Social Scientist Job Overview

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Social Scientist to join the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) in Silver Spring, Maryland. This leadership role is pivotal in developing evidence-based strategies to reduce the health impacts of tobacco use. You will oversee multidisciplinary teams, manage complex research protocols, and provide expert guidance on scientific data to influence regulatory public health initiatives.

Requirements for Supervisory Social Scientist

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements at the GS-13 level to qualify for GS-14.
Possess a degree in behavioral or social science, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to a major.
Demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent.
Ability to lead research teams and conduct complex data analysis for regulatory purposes.
Must pass a background check and maintain suitability standards for federal employment.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Social Scientist

Demonstrated expertise in behavioral science research methodologies.
Strong track record of providing advisory services for public health communications.
Advanced technical proficiency in evaluating digital and social media education initiatives.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills for stakeholder engagement.
Proven capability in administrative leadership and staff development.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Flexible telework opportunities in alignment with agency policy.
✓Career growth and leadership development opportunities within the Department of Health and Human Services.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Social Scientist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Social Scientist Job

Create or update your account on USAJOBS.
Use the resume builder to ensure your work history includes exact dates, hours per week, and detailed duties.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire by the closing date.
Upload required documents, including transcripts and SF-50 forms for current federal employees.
Submit your application and monitor the status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Be specific about your accomplishments; quantify your impact where possible.
Ensure your resume clearly aligns with the specialized experience requirements mentioned in the announcement.
Do not use AI to generate your essay responses; the agency requires your own authentic input.
Apply early to avoid technical issues as the deadline approaches.
Double-check that your transcripts and SF-50s are clear and non-password protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position remote?

No, this is not a fully remote position. It requires regular in-person reporting to the FDA facility in Silver Spring, Maryland, consistent with agency telework policies.

What level of experience is required for this GS-14 role?

You must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level (or equivalent in the private/non-profit sector) involving research project formulation, program assessment, and leading professional teams.

How do I request an accommodation?

You can contact the FDA Applicant Help Desk at 866-807-3742 or email the provided help desk address to discuss your needs.

What is the deadline for this position?

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on November 4, 2026.

Job from Food And Drug Administration

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the FDA are dedicated to protecting the health of all Americans. Within the agency, the Center for Tobacco Products plays a critical role in mitigating the impact of tobacco-related diseases through scientific rigor and evidence-based education initiatives. By joining the FDA, you become part of a mission-driven organization focused on safety, health, and scientific integrity.