Job Posting: Director, Division of Receipt and Referral

Summary

The Center for Scientific Review (CSR) receives and refers all NIH grant applications to the appropriate locus of review and potential awarding component, amounting to approximately 100,000 applications each year. CSR also conducts the first-level peer review for all NIH grant applications, cooperative agreements, and research and development contracts. CSR’s mission is to see that NIH grant applications receive fair, independent, expert, and timely scientific reviews – free from inappropriate influences – so NIH can fund the most promising research.

Duties

The Director of the Division of Receipt and Referral (DRR) serves as an important advisor to the Director, Center for Scientific Review (CSR) and contributes to the development of major policies affecting funding announcements and the receipt, referral and review of research grant applications; provides advice and consultation to NIH and other HHS components and grantee institutions; and establishes effective procedures so that program operations and obligations of government funds and other resources are rendered consistent with statutory and regulatory requirements and within limitations imposed by DHHS and Executive Branch policies. The DRR Director coordinates efforts with the directors of scientific divisions of CSR and with the extramural staff of the twenty-four Institutes and Centers at NIH that make awards. The DRR Director works closely with the Office of Extramural Research (OER) to assess and establish policies and procedures related to grant applications and communicate these to investigators, grantee organizations, and extramural staff. As part of those efforts, the DRR Director works closely with electronic Research Administration (eRA) and other NIH business systems to ensure functionality in those systems reflects and supports NIH and DRR policies. Working closely with the CSR Director and NIH-wide stakeholders, the DRR Director defines and implements DRR policy and practices for handling disputes and appeals from investigators and applicant organizations. The DRR Director also has responsibility for clearance of all Notices of Funding Opportunities and Notices related to receipt, referral, and review prior to publication in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts. The activities of DRR are dedicated to ensuring a smooth interface between investigators, grantee organizations, CSR, and the awarding components of NIH and HHS.

The DRR Director oversees a staff of 20 Federal employees and coordinates the work of two contract staff. In addition, the DRR Director oversees the activity of ~40 Referral Officers, Scientific Review Officers with collateral duties assigning grant applications to review groups and institutes/centers for funding consideration.

Information about the Center for Scientific Review is available at: https://public.csr.nih.gov/

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Applicants must possess an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree, as well as senior-level scientific research, administrative process experience and knowledge of research programs in one or more research areas supported by NIH. Candidates should be outstanding communicators, known and respected within their professions as distinguished individuals with recognized competence, and have supervisory experience, including experience representing an organization with integrity and diplomacy. Experience in complex electronic systems and processes is essential. Visionary leadership characteristics are crucial to plan and to attract and nurture outstanding professional staff to best serve the nation’s biomedical scientific mission at the NIH. Applicants should demonstrate the ability to think strategically, work collaboratively, and use a consultative approach to problem solving and decision making.

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

Benefits

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Full Federal benefits including leave, health and life insurance, long-term care insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401K equivalent) will be provided. This position is subject to the conflict-of-interest statutes and regulations that govern activities with outside organizations. This position will require completion of an annual public financial disclosure report and is subject to a background investigation.

Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of 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 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 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 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

Send your curriculum vitae, bibliography, and contact information for three to five references so they are received by August 31, 2026. Applicants should submit statement of qualifications (2 page maximum) and vision statement (2 page maximum) for the position. Acknowledgement of U.S. Citizenship on the CV or within the body of the application package email. Application packages should be sent to [email protected]. For further information about the position or questions about the process, please contact Ms. Ruba Tashman at 301-594-1690 / [email protected]. All information provided by candidates will remain confidential and will not be shared outside the CSR search process without a signed release from candidates.

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

DHHS AND NIH ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS