Openings for Scientific Review Officers (SROs)

We accept applications for SROs via usajobs.gov several times a year.

 

What does a career as an SRO offer?

You can have a tremendous, positive impact on the scientific community. Peer review is the foundation for NIH funding, and the system depends on highly skilled, expert SROs to identify appropriate expertise and ensure that the review is unbiased and based on the established review criteria.

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   Watch our Q&A and learn about the position and application process.

  • There is a good work-life balance. The work can be done in 40 hours a week. You can make an impact and have time for your family and personal pursuits.
  • CSR has excellent benefits in terms of retirement, health insurance, and leave. SROs enter as a GS-13 or GS-14 ( 2026 pay table ).
  • The Center is a collegial place to work and offers many opportunities for career development and advancement within the Center and the greater NIH.
  • CSR’s specialization in review and the Center’s large, diverse workforce provide a rewarding work environment ― the breadth of science covered at CSR spans all of NIH.

 

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Recommendations for Applying to an SRO Position at CSR

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There are two gates through which your application must pass for you to be considered for an interview:

    1. Review by the NIH Office of Human Resources
    2. Review by the hiring manager at CSR

Using the USAJobs.gov Resume Builder can help your application to move beyond the first gate, and submitting a cover letter with your application package is critical to get your application past the second gate.

  • Your resume matters most at this stage.
  • Build your official resume by using the USAJobs.gov Resume Builder. (The information you send will be placed in a standard format that facilitates assessment. You might also be able to upload your custom resume/CV, but it is recommended that you do so as supplementary material only.)
  • Tailor your resume to address the “minimum qualifications.” Dates of employment must be listed with position titles and duties.        
  • The NIH Office of Human Resources will assess whether you meet the minimum requirements listed in the announcement.
  • Submit a cover letter with your USAJobs.gov application. Your cover letter is important at this stage.
  • Use your cover letter to “speak” to the hiring managers at CSR. What accomplishments or experience makes you a good fit for the position?         
  • Chiefs review the cover letters and resumes of the candidates referred* by HR and determine which individuals to invite for an interview. Among referred candidates, CSR is looking for people with strong communication and leadership skills.
  • After submitting your application, call the HR Specialist listed in the announcement to make sure that all of your documents were successfully uploaded and that you have answered the questions about your employment status correctly.
 

* “Referred” means your application was referred to the next step in the selection process.

 

 

We welcome inquiries about working at CSR

Please contact Dr. Kristin Kramer (kramerkm@csr.nih.gov).

Applications must be submitted through USAJobs.gov. We are hiring across all fields of science encompassed by the NIH. All applicants must be U.S. citizens. If you would like guidance in the application process, please contact Dr. Kristin Kramer (kramerkm@csr.nih.gov).

NIH is an Equal Opportunity Employer

NIH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, religion, sex, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors.

 

 

Last updated: 09/17/2026 08:35