Medical Officer/Physician Positions

CDC medical officers/physicians serve as advisors, consultants, and administrators. The results of their work are felt worldwide as they conduct cutting-edge medical research, collaborate with and/or provide specialized services to CDC partners, and institutionalize national and international health programs and scientific investigations. Qualifications for a medical officer are determined by the grade level of the position. Click here to view and/or print basic qualifications and grade levels required for medical officers at CDC.

 

How to Apply

Career opportunities for medical officers/physicians appointed under the civil service are posted at http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/a9hhs.asp, which includes detailed instructions on how to apply.

Civil Service Versus Commissioned Corps Career Path

Medical officers elect a career path at CDC: Civil Service or Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Each path has its own pay structure, benefits, and career progression. A comparison chart is available on the PHS web site.

Commissioned Corps information is available at the PHS Web site.

Pay and Benefits (Civil Service Employees)

Medical officers receive a starting salary commensurate with their experience and salary history. Special allowances and incentives of up to $40,000 may be authorized based on the agency's need for the physician's skills, qualifications, credentials.

• Physicians Comparability Allowance (PCA) – The PCA is in addition to the physician's total salary and is based on the length of service agreement, board certification, creditable service as a federal physician, and grade level of the position.
• Physicians and Dentists Pay – Physicians and dentists below the GS-15 grade level who provide direct patient care services or services incident to patient care are eligible for physicians and dentists pay. This special pay takes into account experience level, agency need, the health care labor market, board certifications, accomplishments, and consideration of unique circumstances, qualifications, or credentials.
• Recruitment Incentive – A recruitment incentive of up to 50% of the employee's annual pay may be authorized for medical officers/physicians newly appointed to the federal service.
• Relocation Incentive – A relocation incentive of up to 50% of the employee's annual pay may be authorized for a current federal employee who must relocate to accept a medical officer/physician position in a different geographic area.

Citizenship Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required for appointment to most federal positions unless otherwise noted in the job announcement.