Director, Division of Cancer Prevention

Director, Division of Cancer Prevention

Office of the Director

National Cancer Institute

National Institutes of Health

Department of Health and Human Services

The Person: The NCI is seeking an innovative leader to serve as its Director for the Division of Cancer Prevention (DCP).  The Division of Cancer Prevention (http://prevention.cancer.gov/)   conducts and supports research in cancer prevention, early detection, and screening, and on prevention and management of symptoms and toxicities in cancer patients. As an extramural division, DCP supports and promotes investigators around the country and internationally in these critical areas of cancer science. The Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program trains future leaders in the field of cancer prevention and control.

Growing understanding of the cancer process shows that both genetic risks and exposures combine to put a person at risk for the disease. Complex molecular and genomic pathways within the body are affected by exposures to cancer-causing substances through multiple factors. These include behaviors (such as using tobacco products and alcohol, diet, obesity, and exercise); chemical and emissions exposures (including ultraviolet rays from sunlight, radon, medical radiation, metabolites created by the microbiome, hormones, and pollutants); and infections (such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis viruses, and HIV).

The overarching goal of DCP’s prevention and early detection efforts is to use this understanding of the interplay of genomic and environmental factors to more accurately identify those at increased risk of cancer, and to develop interventions that target these pathways.  Interventions to prevent cancer may be drugs, vaccines, surgery, or behavioral modifications. The populations at risk may be found using biomarkers or new screening technologies. Another DCP goal is to develop interventions to alleviate the symptoms of cancer and the toxicities of cancer treatment.

The Director, DCP, oversees the scientific and administrative management of the Division, including a budget of approximately $200 million and provides executive-level oversight over 100 scientific and administrative staff.  The incumbent is responsible for formulating, with the NCI Director, the NCI’s major research directions and scientific policies for the broad spectrum of research funded by the Division.  The Director, DCP, provides leadership for the advancement and prominence of national and international prevention, cancer screening, and supportive care research and its translation to the public benefit.  Specifically, the Director, DCP is responsible for:

• planning a coordinated program in the areas of basic, clinical, and public health approaches to cancer prevention and screening, supportive care, community oncology, biometry, and training;
• initiating, modifying, or terminating support as appropriate for particular areas and initiatives of cancer research funded by DCP, both nationally and internationally;
• identifying, recommending, and approving priorities in the research portfolio; and
• initiating, developing, and maintaining primary and complementary efforts, liaisons, and collaborations within the overall Federal research field.

Position Requirements:  The successful candidate will have an M.D. or Ph.D. in a health sciences or allied field appropriate to the work of the position. The candidate must be able to lead a national and international effort that spans the spectrum from basic through translational to clinical applications. The incumbent must be an experienced manager of complex cancer research programs with a record of outstanding performance and accomplishment.  Of special importance are scientific vision, leadership skills, experience in the development of cancer research programs, use of new technologies for cancer research, preventive oncology training, and the ability to collaborate within and between complex organizations.

Salary/Benefits: This position will be filled under a Title 42 excepted service appointment.  Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with the experience of the candidate. A recruitment or relocation bonus may be available, and relocation expenses may be paid. 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). The successful candidate may be subject to a background investigation and public financial disclosure requirements.

How to Apply: Applicants must submit a current curriculum vitae, bibliography, and full contact details for three references. In addition, applicants must prepare two statements: a vision statement and a statement that addresses the specific qualification requirements (please limit both statements to two pages each). Send the application package to L. Kristen Welch at laura.welch@nih.gov. NCI will begin accepting applications on May 1, 2019 and plans to have the position open for 60 days.

You may contact L. Kristen Welch at laura.welch@nih.gov for more information about this vacancy.

HHS, NIH, and NCI are Equal Opportunity Employers