Scientific Director

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), seeks to identify an outstanding Scientific Director to lead its Division of Preclinical Innovation (DPI) in Rockville, Maryland. DPI encompasses all aspects of translational science, from target validation through first-in-human clinical studies. DPI has both technology development components and collaborative resource access programs, covering small molecule and RNAi screening technologies and informatics to translational efforts in biology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion (ADME), and project management (see organization chart). The DPI Scientific Director is responsible for an annual budget exceeding $94 million and a staff of approximately 325.

The Scientific Director (SD) is a key member of the NCATS leadership team and works closely with the Center director and heads of other NCATS divisions. The SD provides scientific and administrative leadership of DPI; oversees recruitment and professional development of staff; develops and implements new DPI initiatives; and catalyzes interactions among DPI's research groups and between DPI and the other NCATS divisions, other NIH Institutes and Centers, academic institutions, regulatory agencies, non-profit and for-profit organizations, and the broader research and patient communities. S/he is responsible for creating and maintaining a nurturing research environment that encourages creativity, collaboration among scientists from different disciplines and organizations, effective training of students and postdoctoral fellows, and efficient utilization of resources. Finally, the SD serves as a frequent spokesperson for NCATS and translational research.

LOCATION: Bethesda, Maryland

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must possess a Ph.D. and/or M.D. or an equivalent doctoral degree and an established record of outstanding research accomplishments, scientific leadership, mentorship, and service within the basic and/or clinical scientific community. 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.

The Scientific Director may supervise their own research laboratory, supported by resources commensurate with the size and scope of their program.

SALARY/BENEFITS: The Scientific Director will be appointed at a salary commensurate with his/her qualifications and experience and NIH salary guidelines. A recruitment or relocation
incentive may be available, and relocation expenses may be paid. Full Federal benefits, including leave, health and life insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401K equivalent) will be provided.

SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION: please see the following guidance regarding 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 on the NIH Ethics Office 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 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 National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. Verification must be received prior to the effective date of the appointment.

HHS CRITICAL PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE MISSION: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: NIH provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Please notify us if you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
 

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit materials via e-mail to NCATS-Applications@nih.gov. Applicants should send the following items:
• Cover Letter: include a description of relevant research and administrative leadership experience.
• Curriculum Vitae with Bibliography: include a description of mentoring and outreach activities.
• Vision Statement for Leading the DPI (not to exceed 2 pages): applicants should outline their scientific vision or ideas for potential development of DPI programs.
• Statement Addressing Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (not to exceed 1 page): please include any examples of initiatives you have undertaken that illustrate your commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Review of applications will begin on June 19, 2023; the search will remain open until the position is filled.

Incomplete or paper applications will not be evaluated. For further information about the position, please contact both the search committee chair, Dr. Amy Newman, at anewman@intra.nida.nih.gov and at NCATS-Applications@nih.gov.

All information provided by the candidates will remain confidential and will not be released outside the NCATS search process without a signed release from the candidate.
DHHS, NIH, and NCATS are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage applications from women and minorities.