DIRECTOR, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Vacancy Announcement

Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health

DIRECTOR, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES

THE POSITION:  The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).  NIAID, one of the largest of 27 Institutes and Centers (ICs) at NIH, is a $6.3 billion research organization that conducts and supports basic, applied and translational research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious and immune-mediated illnesses while continuing in its unique dual mandate role to respond rapidly to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.  NIAID conducts and supports research in laboratories and clinics in the United States and abroad.  Intramural sites include the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland; the Integrated Research Facility in Frederick, Maryland; the Twinbrook Facility in Rockville, Maryland; and the Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana.  International study is conducted and supported in over 100 countries and regions to include:  East Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Caribbean.  To support its mission, NIAID has a workforce of approximately 5300 staff, including 2025 FTEs; 2500 contractors; 750 Fellows, Special Volunteers, and Guest Researchers; and 25 Commissioned Corps Officers.  

This position offers a unique and exciting opportunity for an exceptional leader to serve as the chief executive for NIAID who will provide visionary leadership, executive management, and strategic direction in developing improved ways to combat the global HIV/AIDS pandemic through the development of prevention strategies, including an HIV/AIDS vaccine and improved therapeutics; developing drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics to treat and prevent emerging infectious diseases such as pandemic influenza, SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, Zika, Hepatitis B, and antimicrobial resistant bacteria; increasing understanding of the development and function of the immune system, the mechanisms of protective immunity, and the causes and mechanisms that lead to the development of immunologic diseases; and developing medical countermeasures to combat agents that potentially could be used in biological chemical, radiological, and nuclear attacks.  The Director will identify and manage financial and human resource needs, with executive accountability for making complex and strategic decisions to optimize resource usage and mitigate risks to achieve desired results.  This position reports directly to the Director, National Institutes of Health and serves as the key advisor to the Director and chief liaison with other components of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Executive branch, Congress, professional societies, voluntary health organizations, and other public health groups.

More information regarding the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) may be found at: https://www.niaid.nih.gov/.

LOCATION:  Bethesda, MD (NIH Main Campus)      

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  Applicants must possess an M.D. and/or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the areas of immunology, microbiology, immune-mediated or infectious diseases, and/or other related disciplines.  A nationally/internationally recognized scientist is desired. Candidates must exhibit a broad scientific vision, demonstrating skill in managing a broad and complex biomedical research program, and the ability to lead and inspire a staff with expertise in diverse scientific disciplines to accomplish the overall mission and strategic goals.  Candidates must have the ability to serve as an authority on the development, implementation, management, and analysis of complex annual operating and program budgets with multiple funding categories.  A scientist with experience and skill as a communicator in matters involving biomedical research in general is required; in addition, must possess political savvy to present to various audiences and ability to meet, deal, and negotiate and handle conflicts to resolve and diffuse difficult situations.  Candidates must have demonstrated experience in setting, planning, implementing, and analyzing program objectives and priorities and have the demonstrated ability to manage financial and human resources and coordinate a research portfolio involving extensive internal and external collaborations.   Key attributes include: an innovative and strategic thinker, team player, and skilled communicator with strong interpersonal skills who can liaison and collaborate, as well as represent the NIH at the highest levels within the government, including Congress, and with nationally and internationally recognized scientific leaders and officials of academia, industry, and the private sector, as well as the press, and professional and advocacy groups. 

SALARY/BENEFITS:  The Director, NIAID will be appointed at a salary commensurate with the selectee’s qualifications and experience and NIH salary guidelines. Full Federal benefits will be provided, including retirement, health and life insurance, long term care insurance, leave, and savings plan (401(k) equivalent). A recruitment or relocation incentive may be available, and relocation expenses may be paid.

Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements.

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 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 ACCOMMODATION: 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:  Applicants must submit a current curriculum vitae, bibliography (if not included in your curriculum vitae), and a photocopy of their doctoral degree.  In addition, applicants are asked to prepare a supplemental narrative statement (no more than four pages) that addresses their vision for the Institute, their qualifications and interest in the position, and include 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 to:  Lynnita Spears at SeniorRe@od.nih.gov (301-402-4077) by the closing date noted below.

Applications will be accepted from U.S. citizens and non-citizens as allowed by appropriations and statute.

DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTH DATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER ON APPLICATION MATERIALS.

Applications must be received by 11:59 P.M. ET, Tuesday, January 17, 2023

DHHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers