Job Posting: Laboratory Chief

Summary

The Laboratory of Virology (LV) within the Division of Intramural Research (DIR) at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in Hamilton, Montana, seeks an outstanding scientist to serve as Senior Investigator and chief of the laboratory.

The mission of the LV is to study high containment BSL-3 and BSL-4 viral pathogens, including filoviruses, bunyaviruses, arenaviruses, henipaviruses and orthoflaviviruses, with the goal of developing diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics. The research conducted in the LV includes studies of vector/reservoir transmission, viral ecology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and host immune response of these viral pathogens. See more information about the Laboratory of Virology here.

The successful candidate will assume responsibility for the LV Office of the Chief budget allocation, shared space, and oversight of the LV research portfolio. Consistent with these roles, the selected person will also be expected to supervise other principal investigators with independent research programs. Committed resources for the incumbent include BSL2/3/4 laboratory space, support personnel, research staff and an allocated annual budget to cover services, supplies, and salaries. A laboratory chief in DIR is considered equivalent to a department chair in a university or medical school.

Visit NIAID Careers to learn more about NIAID and how you can play a role in this exciting and dynamic research organization.

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree in a relevant field.

In addition to this requirement, the ideal candidate will be an internationally recognized expert with a distinguished record of scientific achievement demonstrated by authorship of impactful publications and invited presentations at national and international venues. In addition, a track record of leading research groups conducting work in BSL-4 or BSL-3 containment laboratories and experience developing animal models for emerging viral pathogens in high and maximum containment laboratories, are desirable for this role. The selected candidate will provide vision and strategic direction for the Laboratory of Virology to provide a clear and compelling vision for the future of the Laboratory, including the ability to identify emerging scientific opportunities aligned with the NIAID mission, and to integrate basic, translational, and clinical research to maximize scientific and public health impact.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to respond to public health emergencies, including coordination with national and international agencies during outbreak or emergency response activities.
• Demonstrated success in securing funding appropriate to career stage and program scope.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively navigate and coordinate with oversight bodies (e.g., IBC, IACUC, biosafety, institutional compliance offices).
• Ability to design, implement, and maintain rigorous training programs and standard operating procedures, with strong adherence to best practices in biosafety and regulatory compliance.
• A strong commitment to mentoring trainees and junior investigators and to fostering the next generation of scientists.
• Demonstrated success managing complex laboratory operations, including personnel, budgets, and infrastructure, with strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• Evidence of effective service and collaboration with internal and external committees.

Benefits

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

Salary will be commensurate with experience. A full civil service package of benefits may be available.

Equal Employment Opportunity

DHHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers. Visit NIH Equal Employment Opportunity site for more information

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 materials electronically to the NIH Specialized Scientific Jobs portal:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)/bibliography, including a list of former mentees.
  • In the CV, please describe your mentoring and outreach activities.
• A two- to three-page description of your proposed individual research program
• A statement describing your scientific, clinical, and administrative vision for the laboratory, including approaches to training and management.
• Three reference letters.

Applications will be reviewed starting August 16, 2026 and will be accepted until the position is filled.

This position is subject to a background investigation. If selected, you will be tested for illegal drug use prior to appointment and be subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug testing during employment. Relocation expenses will be offered based on eligibility.

Questions should be directed to Jose Zuniga, DIR Search Committee Manager, at [email protected].