Director, National Center for Toxicological Research

The National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) in the Office of Chief Scientist (OCS) conducts and publishes peer-reviewed scientific research that supports and anticipates the FDA's current and future regulatory needs involving fundamental and applied research specifically designed to define the biological mechanisms of action underlying the toxicity of products regulated by the FDA.

Duties

• Provides executive and scientific leadership managing and directing approximately 300 scientific, professional, and technical support personnel developing and executing nationwide scientific research programs and activities for FDA's Mission.
• Coordinates the activities of about 250 additional contract personnel and 45 postdoctoral trainees.
• Engages with FDA Product Centers and Offices and formulates NCTR research priorities and portfolio within the context of their regulatory needs and the Agency's strategic plan.
• Analyzes the extent to which NCTR research programs support the research needs of the Agency.
• Manages and coordinates NCTR's research, research support initiatives, and shapes short- and long-range program goals for NCTR in alignment with FDA's regulatory needs.
• Stimulates awareness within FDA regarding NCTR's research capabilities and ensures responsiveness by NCTR to the research needs of FDA Product Centers and Offices.
• Staffs and supports the operation of the NCTR Science Advisory Board to evaluate the relevance and direction of NCTR's research programs.
• Formulates and evaluates NCTR policies, identifies significant weaknesses/problems in NCTR programs, and determines/initiates corrective action.
• Advises the Chief Scientist and other senior FDA officials on matters pertaining to the management of NCTR's research and the effective utilization of NCTR's expertise and facilities by FDA.
• Utilizes expert knowledge on all issues related to the strategic planning of research, particularly with respect to policy development and execution of long-range program goals.
• Creates and fosters a climate conducive to recruitment and retention of outstanding research scientists; reviews and acts on appointments of candidates for key NCTR positions.
• Effective communication that facilitates between NCTR staff, FDA product Centers, other government agencies, academia, and the national and international community for optimal use of resources to advance FDA's mission.