Job Posting: Director, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences

Summary

The Director, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences (DCVS), reports to the NHLBI Director and offers a broad range of expertise in organizational and change management, research scientist training and development, and development of an excellent biomedical and behavioral research workforce. As a senior NHLBI leader and key member of the Institute’s leadership team, the Director will collaborate across the Institute and NIH on aligned programs, help shape the future of research into the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease, and leading internationally renowned programs. The Director will foster advances across disease areas and support design, implementation, and oversight of major cohort studies, clinical trials, and research on genetic, behavioral, social, health system, and environmental factors to improve prevention, treatment, clinical care, and public health.

The DCVS Director provides scientific vision, strategic leadership, and management for the Division and advises the NHLBI Director on issues and strategic direction for heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders research as a member of the NHLBI executive leadership team, the Strategic Investment and Management Steering Committee (SIMSC). The Director may also coordinate activities across NIH and among other Federal agencies. The Director will provide scientific leadership in managing a portfolio budget of approximately $1.83 billion.

DCVS has a staff of approximately 105 employees across three programs, each with two or three branches, the Office of Clinical Research, and the Office of Research Training and Career Development. The Director will recruit scientists and scientific administrators, develop and nurture a strong workforce, and build depth in a variety of scientific disciplines and in cardiovascular disease-specific programs and branches.

The DCVS Director will have a profound impact upon the nation’s investment in research, service and support of the broader cardiovascular research community, and will have the opportunity to advocate for areas of critical importance to the national and global populace, implement programs congruent with the NHLBI’s strategic plan, and to improve the health of the public. The NHLBI seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and the innovative thinking and leadership skill necessary to lead a dynamic organization. Key opportunities and needs include change management, program priority assessment, integration of basic and clinical science, policy implementation, building teams, and interaction with scientific colleagues in a wide variety of settings.

Information about NHLBI can be found at www.nhlbi.nih.gov.

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Specific skills, education and experiences candidates must possess include:

• Applicants must possess an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent in a field relevant to the Division’s portfolio. The Director should have a comprehensive understanding of the procedures and policies related to the review, award and management of grants, cooperative agreements, and research contracts, as well as the ability to serve as an authority on the development, implementation, management, and analysis of DCVS’s annual operating and program budget. The Director should demonstrate skill in managing a complex biomedical research program and training programs.
• The successful candidate must demonstrate extraordinary leadership, management, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, and stakeholder engagement ability as applied to scientific research. The ideal candidate leader has demonstrated experience in setting, planning, implementing, and analyzing program objectives and priorities and should have the demonstrated ability to manage financial and human resources and coordinate a research portfolio involving extensive internal and external collaboration. The successful candidate will be a respected, accomplished researcher with maturity, integrity, and outstanding communication skills.
• The Director must have a record of accomplishments in mentoring and outreach, particularly to communities disproportionately affected by cardiovascular diseases, and to those that are underrepresented in biomedical research.
• The Director must demonstrate broad scientific vision, and the ability to lead and inspire staff with expertise in diverse scientific disciplines to assess research needs on a national/international scale and formulate and implement plans for solicitation of new research. They must be a leader who is experienced in giving presentations nationally to broad audiences, including researchers, policy makers, and the public.
• This position will be filled under a Title 42 (f) excepted service appointment.

This position requires the selectee to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Benefits

The Director, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences will be appointed at a salary commensurate with their qualifications and experience. A recruitment or relocation bonus 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.

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 & 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 NIH Ethics 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 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.

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

You can request reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following documents to [email protected] by August 24, 2026 for consideration:

• Current Curriculum Vitae
• Copy of advanced degree
• Bibliography
• Full contact details for three references
• Vision statement (not to exceed two pages)
• Statement that addresses the specific qualification requirements (not to exceed two pages)

Appointees may be a US citizen, Legal Permanent Resident or non-US citizen who are eligible for a valid work authorization.

You may contact Joanna Bare with questions and for more information about this vacancy at [email protected].

DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTH DATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) ON APPLICATION MATERIALS

DHHS AND NIH ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS