A Scientific Review Officer must have a comprehensive knowledge of the diverse and complex award mechanisms, understand the critical need to avoid conflicts of interest, have the ability to exercise objectivity and fairness to applicants, set up the appropriate review panels, and evaluate applications in the context of the initiative and IC/NIH missions. The SRO's responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Analyze the content of each application/proposal and check for completeness.
  • Recruit qualified reviewers based on scientific and technical qualifications and other considerations, including:
    • training and experience in specific scientific areas relevant to the mission of the NIH ( 42 CFR Part 52h - section 4)
    • Dedication to high quality, fair, and objective reviews
    • Ability to work collegially in a group setting and skill in leading groups with diverse professional backgrounds;
    • Knowledge of Federal Grants and contracts review policies and procedures
    • Ability to communicate complex scientific technical or procedural information
    • Ability to convene a balanced peer review meeting with representation of reviewers based on ethics, geographical distribution and racial/ethnicity.
  • Document and manage conflicts of interest.
  • Assign applications/proposals to reviewers for critique preparation and assignment of individual criterion scores/technical evaluation criteria scores.
  • Attend and oversee administrative and regulatory aspects of peer review meetings.
  • Orient the review panels to applicable policies and procedures.
  • Document a summary of the deliberations and recommendations of the review panel.
  • Prepare summary statements/ technical evaluation reports for all applications/ proposals reviewed.
  • Manage chartered review committees.
  • Work with program officers, office of acquisitions and grants management staff in writing solicitations for grants and contracts and is the official review expert for development of these announcements
  • Serve as the information and coordination person for all grant applications pending review by institute initial review groups.
  • Coordinate and maintain liaison relating to grant and contract review activities with institute staff and the Center for Scientific Review.
  • Fosters effective communication and relationships with the scientific community to enhance review activities.
  • Develop and coordinate policies relating to scientific review and implement review policies established by NIH.