Director of the Early Translation Branch, Division of Preclinical Innovation (DPI).

Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health

National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences

Division of Preclinical Innovation

DIRECTOR

Early Translation Branch

AC1364

National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences Rockville, Maryland

$134,789-$164,200 with full Civil Service package including retirement, health and life insurance.

The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is seeking applications  from  exceptional  scientists  to  serve as Director of the  Early Translation Branch, Division of Preclinical  Innovation (DPI).

The Early Translation Branch is a home to approximately 60 scientists and trainees with diverse backgrounds including biology, chemistry, and informatics; and enjoys access to state-of-the-art resources including robotic high-throughput screening facilities, sample management, cheminformatics, medicinal chemistry, and others. The Branch is a successor of the NCATS Chemical Genomics Center (NCGC) and seeks to understand the underlying principles driving the translation of basic research discoveries into tangible improvements in human health by focusing on the early stages of this process.  Efforts include the functionation of the human genome through discovery of diverse tools, such as small molecules, antibodies, constrained peptides, and others, by way of screening, directed evolution and rational computational design methods, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, development of innovative methods for assaying biological activity of novel gene targets and pathways, and derivation of general principles governing the interaction between the biological and chemical spaces. The incumbent is responsible for planning and directing a broad and comprehensive program in discovery of pharmacological tools to probe the function of the human genome and to understand and improve the processes underlying said discovery. NCATS is seeking individuals with scientific, administrative, and leadership credentials who can lead and manage research activities in the above referenced areas, as well as consult with the NCATS Scientific Director on the future progress and growth of these respective research areas.

Qualifications:  Applicants must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's (or graduate) degree in a biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to this position, from an accredited college or university; OR have a combination of experience and education which includes courses comparable to a major in a biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry or related disciplines appropriate to this position, AND have appropriate experience or additional education which demonstrates similarly appropriate skills or abilities needed to perform the duties of this position.

In addition to meeting the education requirements, applicants must demonstrate at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: planning and directing a broad and comprehensive program in early translational science; leading multi-disciplinary research groups in technology and therapeutic/diagnostic/intervention discovery; research experience in preclinical translation; planning and designing the biochemistry and chemistry aspects of multiple concurrent studies investigating early translation problems; engaging stakeholders and scientists by chairing scientific conferences, meetings, and making presentations related to translational science.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in the biomedical sciences as well as a record of accomplishment in academic and/ or biopharmaceutical preclinical translation with demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary research groups in technology and therapeutic/diagnostic/intervention discovery; will be an internationally-recognized and highly accomplished researcher in multiple aspects of preclinical translation, with a particular interest and accomplishment in novel technology and paradigm development.; have expertise and accomplishment in multiple aspects of preclinical translation from target validation through early development of therapeutics, including but not limited to small molecules, biologics and antisense oligos, and/or diagnostics.  Experience in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical or related industries is desirable, but not required.  The ideal candidate would have demonstrated experience in directing and managing a large and scientifically diverse research program, with well-honed administrative and interpersonal skills to meet the demands of both research and program direction, and the ability to influence, inspire, and empower scientists and administrative staff to be creative, self-motivated, entrepreneurial achievers who deliver on the mission of the organization through individual and collaborative initiative. Finally, s/he would be a collaborative leader with demonstrated experience in engaging a broad range of stakeholders, such as scientists from different disciplines, patient advocacy groups, government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations. Open to U.S. citizens.  

Salary and Benefits:   The salary range is commensurate with experience and accomplishments.  The current salary range for this position is $134,789-$164,200.  A full Civil Service package of benefits (including retirement, health, life and long term care insurance, Thrift Savings Plan participation, etc.) is available.  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: http://ethics.od.nih.gov

How to Apply: Visit www.USAJobs.gov and access the detailed vacancy announcement NIH-NCATS-DH-19-10415993 beginning April 1, 2019.  Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on April 10, 2019.  If you have questions about the position, contact NCTASRecruitAC1364@nih.gov.  Visit https://ncats.nih.gov/preclinical  for more information about working in the Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation, NCATS.

All information provided by candidates will remain confidential and will not be released outside the NCATS search process without a signed release from candidates. The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities and individuals with disabilities.  DHHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers.