THE POSITION: The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), seeks to identify an outstanding Scientific Director to lead its Division of Intramural Research (DIR), located in Bethesda, Maryland. The NICHD Scientific Director leads a basic and clinical research program directed toward developing a greater understanding of the biological, medical, reproductive, and behavioral aspects of normal and atypical human development. The NICHD’s current research emphasis includes: basic biology of reproductive health, multiple approaches to developmental biology with concentrations in cell biology, animal models, and genetics; clinical trials in and clinical studies of developmental disorders; studies of healthy human development; developmental endocrinology; neurosciences; translational imaging; and population health research. Opportunities exist within the Division to work with other Institutes and Centers in NIH to advance the science of NICHD, to build collaborations with outside academic partners for research and training purposes, and to partner with industry through technology transfer or cooperative research and development agreements.
This position offers a unique and exciting opportunity for an extremely capable individual to develop and implement an overall vision for the NICHD/DIR and to plan and oversee basic, clinical, and applied research programs. The Scientific Director will guide and oversee the Institute’s clinical research portfolio, clinical trials, and drug and device development efforts both internally and through research agreements with leading institutions around the country to advance basic science, translational, and applied clinical research. The Scientific Director will evaluate research efforts and establish program priorities, allocate resources, direct the training of pre-doctoral and post-doctoral fellows, collaborate with other NIH programs, and advise the NICHD Director and senior staff on DIR programs and on areas of scientific interest to the Institute. The incumbent plays a key role in creating and maintaining a nurturing research environment that encourages creativity, collaboration among scientists from different disciplines, effective training of post-doctoral fellows and trainees, and efficient utilization of resources. The DIR has a staff of approximately 1,000 and a current annual budget in excess of $200 million. In addition to the managerial/administrative responsibilities outlined above, the Scientific Director is expected to carry out his/her own high-quality research program. Resources commensurate with the proposed program will be provided. Information on the NICHD may be found at: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
LOCATION: Bethesda, Maryland
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must possess an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree, and have demonstrated scientific leadership and/or senior-level research experience in a basic and/or clinical research program of national and international standing in an area relevant to maternal and child health or human development. The successful candidate will have a compelling vision for the future of the field, proven experience in managing and directing a scientific research program, and well-honed administrative and interpersonal skills. The NICHD seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to maintain the DIR’s research efforts at the forefront of science. Preference will be given to those known and respected within their profession, both nationally and internationally, as distinguished individuals of outstanding scientific competence and those who possess a record of achievement as a senior scientific administrator/executive leader. Applicants also must have demonstrated experience in setting, planning, implementing, and analyzing program objectives and priorities. Candidates should have the demonstrated ability to manage financial and human resources and lead a research program involving extensive internal and external collaboration.
SALARY/BENEFITS: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with the experience of the candidate. A full package of Federal Civil Service benefits is available, including: retirement, health and life insurance, long term care insurance, leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent). A recruitment and/or relocation incentive may be available; relocation expenses may be paid.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, with no discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT/FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: The National Institutes of Health inspires public confidence in our science by maintaining high ethical principles. NIH employees are subject to Federal government-wide regulations and statutes as well as agency-specific regulations described at the NIH Ethics Website. We encourage you to review this information. The position is subject to a background investigation and requires the incumbent to complete a public financial disclosure report prior to the effective date of the appointment.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is equivalent to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. We will only accept the completed foreign education evaluation. For more information on foreign education verification, visit the https://www.naces.org website. Verification must be received prior to the effective date of the appointment.
REASONABLE ACCOMODATION: NIH provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, including a brief description of research and administrative experience; curriculum vitae and bibliography; and full contact information for five references. Please include in your CV a description of mentoring and outreach activities in which you have been involved, especially those involving women and persons from racial/ethnic or other groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research. Application packages should be sent via e-mail to Mr. Michael Rosenthal at: rosentm@mail.nih.gov. Questions should be directed to Mr. Rosenthal on 301-443-7414.
Applications should be received by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on August 1, 2021. Review of applications will begin on or about August 2, 2021, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTH DATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) ON APPLICATION MATERIALS
HHS, NIH and NICHD are Equal Opportunity Employers