Job Posting: Chief, Computational Health Research Branch

Summary

The National Library of Medicine (NLM), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is seeking an exceptional scientist to serve as Chief of the Computational Health Research Branch (CHRB) within the Division of Intramural Research (DIR) in Bethesda, Maryland.

The selected candidate will be appointed as a Senior Investigator under Title 42(f) and will serve as Branch Chief of CHRB. The Branch Chief will provide scientific and administrative leadership for a multidisciplinary research program focused on computational approaches to health informatics, personalized medicine, and disease modeling through artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and large-scale biomedical data analysis.

The successful candidate will set the strategic scientific direction of CHRB, provide leadership and mentorship to Principal Investigators (PIs) and other scientists, and establish and lead an independent research program. The Branch Chief will advance innovative computational approaches that support NLM and NIH priorities and improve biomedical research, clinical care, and public health.

Duties

The Branch Chief will provide scientific and administrative leadership for CHRB and guide the development and implementation of the branch's strategic research program.

• Provide scientific leadership and strategic direction for CHRB's research portfolio.
• Lead an independent, nationally and internationally recognized research program in computational health sciences.
• Lead the branch in developing innovative computational approaches for clinical risk prediction, disease progression modeling, clinical decision-making, personalized medicine, multi-omics data integration, and related areas.
• Advance the development and application of AI, machine learning, health informatics, epidemiology, biostatistics, and large-scale data analytics to biomedical and health data.
• Provide scientific leadership, guidance, and mentorship to PIs and other researchers within CHRB.
• Identify emerging scientific opportunities and establish research priorities that advance the missions of NLM and NIH.
• Oversee the scientific and administrative functions of the branch, including research programs, personnel, and resources.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations across NLM and NIH and with academic institutions, research organizations, government agencies, and industry partners.
• Promote the translation of computational methods and scientific discoveries into practical applications that advance biomedical research and health care.
• Mentor investigators, postdoctoral fellows, trainees, and other scientific staff.
• Foster a collaborative scientific environment that supports scientific excellence and innovation.

Maintain the highest standards of scientific rigor, integrity, and research quality.

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Candidates must have a doctoral degree or equivalent in a relevant scientific field and extensive research experience appropriate for appointment as an NIH Senior Investigator under Title 42(f).

The successful candidate must demonstrate outstanding scientific accomplishments and stature appropriate for a senior scientific leadership position, including:

• National or International Recognition: Recognition as a national or international expert in computational health sciences or a closely related field.
• Original Scientific Contributions: A record of original scientific or scholarly contributions of major significance that have advanced computational health sciences, biomedical research, or a related field.
• Scientific Leadership: A sustained record of leadership in the scientific community and demonstrated success leading independent research programs and interdisciplinary scientific teams.
• Specialized Expertise: Special scientific, computational, or technical knowledge and skills that would benefit NLM and NIH.
• Research Accomplishments: A strong record of significant scientific discoveries, innovative methods or technologies, and influential peer-reviewed publications.
• Independent Research: Demonstrated ability to establish and sustain a highly productive independent research program.
• Computational Expertise: Advanced expertise in one or more areas relevant to CHRB's mission, including health informatics, computational biology, AI, machine learning, biostatistics, clinical data science, or large-scale biomedical data analytics.
• Research Translation: Demonstrated ability to translate computational research, technologies, or methods into applications that advance biomedical research, clinical care, or public health.
• Program Leadership: Demonstrated ability to establish scientific priorities, manage complex research programs and resources, and provide strategic direction.
• Mentorship: A strong record of mentoring investigators, fellows, trainees, and other scientists.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to establish and sustain multidisciplinary collaborations within and across scientific organizations.

Evidence of scientific stature may include invited keynote or plenary presentations, significant scientific discoveries, development of important methods or technologies, service on scientific committees or editorial boards, scientific awards and honors, and other evidence of national or international recognition.

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

Applicants must submit the following materials:

• Cover Letter: describing their qualifications, scientific leadership experience, and interest in serving as Chief of CHRB.
• Curriculum Vitae: including scientific honors and awards, invited presentations, leadership activities, and mentoring and outreach activities.
• Research Statement: not to exceed three pages, describing significant scientific accomplishments, current research interests, future research goals, and a vision for advancing computational health research at NLM.
• Three Representative Publications or Preprints: demonstrating significant contributions to the field.
• Three Letters of Reference: provide the names and contact information for three individuals who can assess the candidate’s scientific accomplishments, national or international standing, leadership experience, and qualifications for the position. The individuals listed will be contacted directly to submit letters of recommendation.

Application materials should be submitted electronically to [email protected].

Applications must be received by November 15 for consideration. The position will remain open until filled.