Job Posting: Clinical Director, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Summary

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking exceptional candidates for the leadership position of Clinical Director. The NHLBI’s mission is to provide global leadership for a research, training, and education program to promote the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, and blood disorders and enhance the health of all individuals so that they can live longer and more fulfilling lives. The NHLBI Clinical Director is key to that mission within the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research (DIR), overseeing a budget of more than $20 million and leading a program with over 110 staff and contractors. The Clinical Director reports to the NHLBI Director and is a vital part of the Institute’s leadership team.

The role is primarily administrative in nature, with at least 50% of the position's duties dedicated to the strategic and operational leadership of NHLBI's clinical research program. The Clinical Director also has access to the full clinical research infrastructure of the Office of the Clinical Director (OCD), as well as optional time to engage directly in patient care. The position includes funds directly allocated to establish and support an independent research program, including the opportunity to mentor trainees.

The NHLBI DIR’s focus is to perform robust scientific and clinical research that leads to a better understanding of biology and clinical pathology. Building from a strong basic science foundation, the DIR’s clinical research program is multifaceted – from first-in-human clinical research trials to natural history studies of rare disease processes. This investigator-initiated work is supported by a robust clinical research infrastructure provided by the Office of the Clinical Director (OCD).

The Office of the Clinical Director includes the Offices of Patient Safety & Education, Research Nursing and Protocol Coordination, Patient Recruitment, Protocol Navigation, Clinical Data Management, Advanced Practitioners, and administrative staff overseen by the Chief of Staff. In total, there are approximately 110 staff members and contractors. The Clinical Director has oversight of all clinical operations within the DIR and partners with the Scientific Director in supporting the clinical research activities of the DIR’s six clinical research branches.

Duties

The Clinical Director is responsible for the overall management of NHLBI’s clinical research program and clinical activities, including development of strategic plans, identification of new clinical research opportunities, implementation of new research programs, and the training and mentoring of tenure-track investigators and physician-scientist early investigators. The Clinical Director formulates and implements the NHLBI DIR’s clinical research program in partnership with the Scientific Director and under the supervision of the NHLBI Director. The position also provides protected time and resources for conducting an independent research program related to the mission of NHLBI.

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

The NHLBI seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and an established record of outstanding research accomplishments, scientific leadership, and service within a clinical research setting, in the areas relevant to heart, lung and blood research. Applicants must possess an M.D., D.O., or equivalent degree and have senior-level research experience, knowledge of research programs, appropriate clinical training, expertise, and Board certification in one or more scientific areas related to heart, lung, and blood research. Applicants must hold a medical license and be eligible to practice medicine in the United States.

The ideal candidate must be a recognized, international leader in the fields of NHLBI’s research to understand, treat, and prevent some of the most common and severe heart, lung, and blood diseases affecting public health. The candidate must have demonstrated administrative leadership experience running a complex clinical program or institution. The candidate must have a substantial record of achievement in medicine and research as evidenced by ongoing patient-care activities, clinical teaching, peer-reviewed publications, awards, and leadership activities.

Benefits

The Clinical Director, NHLBI, will be appointed at a salary commensurate with their qualifications and experience. Full Federal benefits, including leave, health and life insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401K equivalent) will be provided. A recruitment and/or relocation incentive may be available, and relocation expenses may be paid.

Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees and job applicants.

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 Office. 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 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 U.S. 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: HHS has a 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. 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:

• Current curriculum vitae, including bibliography
• Copy of medical degree
• Narrative statement (no more than four pages) that addresses:
  • The required qualifications
  • Interest in the position
  • Description of prior leadership and mentoring experience
  • Vision for leading the NHLBI Clinical Program

Completed application packages must be submitted to: [email protected]. Applications will be accepted from U.S. citizens and non-citizens as allowed by appropriations and statute. All information provided by applicants will remain confidential and will be reviewed only by officials authorized by NIH.

If selected, you will be subject to a two-year trial period under this appointment.

Review of applications will begin on or about December 9, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Do not include your birth date or social security number (SSN) on application materials.

NHLBI, NIH, and DHHS are Equal Opportunity Employers.