Director, Genetics Branch

Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health

National Cancer Institute

Center for Cancer Research

Director, Genetics Branch

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is seeking an outstanding, internationally recognized, and visionary leader in cancer genetics to direct the Genetics Branch (GB) in the NCI Center for Cancer Research (CCR). This position is part of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) world-class Intramural Research Program and is equivalent to a tenured academic department chair.

The Genetics Branch has a long history of making major contributions to understanding the genetic basis of cancer and translation to the clinic, including landmark multi-omics and immunogenomics studies of pediatric and adult solid tumors, development of unique mouse models of myelodysplastic disease, imaging-based single cell technology for assessment of cancer clonality, and mechanistic studies of fusion genes. The GB currently consists of seven tenured and tenure track principal investigators, who conduct cutting-edge research on the role of genomic instability, chromosomal abnormalities, long noncoding RNAs and epigenetics in cancer. The translational and clinical efforts in GB include drug development, patient cancer risk screening, education, counseling, genetic testing, and the development of appropriate surveillance and prevention options. The GB also includes several technology core resources for molecular diagnostics, genotype/phenotype correlations, and biomarker development.

The next leader of the GB will have stature in the cancer genetics/genomics field with a broad basic clinical vision who will embrace the rapidly changing landscape of genomic technologies and will apply them to the most pressing problems in cancer, including in the area of cancer health disparities. The selected individual will have the opportunity to nurture an impactful research program by setting the scientific direction and vision of the GB. The Director will define the overall scientific strategy and direction of the branch and will identify new research opportunities, including through recruitment of faculty, management of laboratory resources, and mentoring and training. We expect the incoming Director to have a strong, clearly articulated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. 

In addition to guiding the GB, the Director will also be eligible to be appointed as a tenured senior investigator and will lead their own individual world-class research program, supported by generous, stable resources, including access to a wide range of technology platforms and interdisciplinary collaborations within NCI, as well as at NIH and its Clinical Center. NCI intramural investigators are not expected to support their research via grants.

The CCR is home to nearly 250 basic and clinical research groups located on two campuses just outside of Washington, D.C. CCR is part of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and makes up the largest component of the research effort at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Centrally supported by longterm funding, no need for grant support, and a culture of complete intellectual freedom, CCR scientists pursue the most important and challenging problems in cancer research. We collaborate with academic and commercial partners and advocacy groups across the world in efforts to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. The CCR research portfolio seamlessly covers the full spectrum of biological and biomedical research from basic science to our extensive clinical activities, including our clinical trials conducted in the NIH Clinical Center, the world’s largest hospital dedicated to clinical research. The success of CCR is grounded in an exceptionally strong discovery research program that provides the foundation for the seamless translation of insights from bench to bedside. For an overview of CCR, please visit http://ccr.cancer.gov/.

The successful candidate must hold an M.D, Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree. Additionally, the successful candidate must have an established record in the field, demonstrated leadership ability, and a proven effectiveness in mentoring. This position is located at the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD and requires significant in-person on-site presence.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Candidates may be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or possess (or be eligible for) an appropriate work visa. A full package of government benefits (including health insurance, life insurance, and retirement) is available. This position is subject to a background investigation.

Candidates must provide the following documents to be considered:

• A letter of interest, including a career synopsis

• A forward-looking statement of research interests and vision statement for the Genetics Branch (4-page limit)

• A current curriculum vitae and complete bibliography

• A diversity statement describing your track record of and commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in biomedical research and/or medicine, including but not limited to successful recruitment and/or mentorship of trainees from historically underrepresented groups, participation on committees and in programs/initiatives addressing issues of diversity and inclusion, and future plans for addressing diversity and inclusion as a principal investigator. (1 page limit)

Applications must be submitted to: https://service.cancer.gov/ccr-careers. E-mailed or paper applications will not be accepted. Initial review of applications is anticipated to begin on or about 8/28/2023, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications will be treated as confidential. For more information, please contact Patrick Miller, CCR Faculty Recruitment Coordinator at millerp@mail.nih.gov.

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. NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. 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.

DHHS, NIH, and NCI are Equal Opportunity Employers

The NIH and NCI are dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.