Job Posting: Chief, Virology Branch

Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the largest institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and part of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), conducts and supports a global program of research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. The NIAID is seeking an exceptional and visionary leader to serve as Chief of theVirology Branch (VB) within the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (DMID). The Chief directs and manages a complex scientific program that stimulates basic, translational, and clinical research and advances product development for viral infectious diseases of public health importance.

The VB Chief leads research to prevent, control, and respond to infectious diseases caused by viruses other than human immunodeficiency virus. The VB Chief focuses on understanding the fundamental biology and pathogenesis and developing medical countermeasures for over 200 different viruses comprising over 20 viral families that impact human health, including but not limited to infectious disease outbreaks. As part of its comprehensive extramural portfolio, VB supports research on a wide range of infectious diseases including chronic diseases caused by hepatic viruses and herpes simplex virus, diseases that are devastating to newborns such as Zika and cytomegalovirus infections, and acute viral diseases with very high fatality rates such as rabies, yellow fever, and Ebola.

Duties

The VB Chief exercises broad influence on scientific programs aligned with U.S. health priorities and develops and articulates scientific priorities in concert with NIH and DHHS goals and in the context of broader public health goals. The VB Chief provides leadership and supervision involving the strategic management of significant resources and the integration of portfolios that involve a broad range of viral infectious diseases, including newly emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. The VB Chief is a Science Program Leader – Tier 2 position and reports to the DMID director.

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

To qualify, applicants must have an M.D. or Ph.D. in a biomedical science. In addition, the candidate must have demonstrated skills in the following areas:

1. Independent and collaborative work in planning, organizing, and conducting basic and translational research in viral diseases;
2. Successful management of a multifaceted research portfolio that addresses high-priority pathogens; and
3. Effective interactions across multiple sectors of government, industry, and academia.

Competitive candidates will be widely respected by their peers for their scientific and managerial or executive accomplishments and expertise.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

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 & job applicants.

Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure

If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency.

Foreign Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Learn more about Foreign Education.

Reasonable Accommodation

You can request a 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

Interested candidates should submit the following to the NIH Specialized Scientific Jobs portal by October 14, 2026:

• Curriculum vitae (CV) and bibliography
• A three-page statement explaining your vision for viral diseases research, reasons for being interested in this position, and specific leadership skills and experience you would bring to NIAID.
• A statement describing your experience mentoring and supporting future biomedical scientists

In addition, up to three letters of professional reference may be required as the recruitment process progresses.

Please contact [email protected] with questions or for more information about the position.

All information provided by applicants will remain confidential and will be reviewed only by authorized officials associated with the recruitment.

The successful candidate will be appointed under the Title 42 (f) authority at a salary commensurate with their experience. A full civil service package of benefits is also available, including retirement; health, and life insurance; annual and sick leave; and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent). Relocation expense allowances are authorized and may be paid in accordance with agency policy. If relocation expense allowances are paid, the selectee will be required to sign a one-year service agreement.

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

This position is subject to a background investigation.