Job Posting: Director, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation

Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is seeking applications from exceptional candidates for the position of Director, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation (DAIT), reporting to the Director, NIAID. The Director, DAIT provides scientific vision, strategic leadership, and executive oversight and management of the division’s functions and operations. DAIT plans, conducts, coordinates and evaluates a national and international extramural research program supporting basic, preclinical, and clinical research on the role of the immune system in maintaining health and in the development of a broad range of immune-mediated disorders. The division’s core mission encompasses fundamental research on the human immune system and research related to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of allergy and asthma, autoimmune and immunodeficiency diseases, and immune-mediated rejection of transplanted cells, tissues, and organs. In addition, DAIT leads a national program to advance the development of medical countermeasures against radiological and nuclear threats, including supporting the development of candidate products toward FDA licensure and potential inclusion in the Strategic National Stockpile. DAIT’s research portfolio is comprised of solicited and unsolicited grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts.

Duties

The Director, DAIT serves as a principal advisor to the Director, NIAID providing expert advice on scientific policy, priorities, and goals related to immunology and immune-mediated diseases. The Director DAIT establishes scientific vision and strategic priorities for the division and ensures that DAIT’s programs address critical national and international research needs. The Director, DAIT identifies and assesses emerging scientific opportunities, develops and implements strategies for soliciting and supporting innovative research, and directs a broad portfolio designed to advance understanding of immune mechanisms and translate scientific discoveries into new approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. The Director, DAIT fosters multidisciplinary research and scientific collaborations that accelerate the development of new approaches to prevent, diagnose, and treat immune-mediated diseases. The Director, DAIT provides executive leadership and oversight of DAIT’s scientific and administrative activities, including program planning, resource allocation, personnel management, and evaluation of program effectiveness. The Director, DAIT manages an annual budget of approximately $1.2 Billion, 131 staff, and 1900 grants and contracts to support the requirements of a rapidly expanding research enterprise.

The Director, DAIT represents DAIT and NIAID in interactions with other NIH ICs, federal and non-federal agencies, international research organizations, professional societies, industry partners and patient advocacy groups. Additionally, the Director, DAIT develops and maintains strategic partnerships and collaborations to advance NIAID’s scientific mission and strengthen the impact of federally supported research.

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Appointees may be a US citizen, Legal Permanent Resident or non-US citizen who are eligible for a valid work authorization. Applicants must possess an M.D. or doctoral degree in immunology or a related field and demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the advanced principles, theories, and practices applicable to DAIT’s scientific mission areas. Preferred candidates will demonstrate outstanding interpersonal skills, and the ability to provide innovative scientific and visionary management leadership in planning, conducting, and evaluating various programs. Applicants should also demonstrate broad scientific knowledge, experience in research design and administration, the ability to lead staff, outstanding communication skills, flexibility in responding to multiple and rapidly emerging issues, and demonstrated expertise in supervision and management of a broad and complex biomedical research program encompassing one or more of the following areas: allergy and asthma, autoimmune or immune-mediated disease, and transplantation. Understanding clinical trials, product development, and regulatory affairs is also essential to providing oversight for DAIT’s clinical programs.

Preferred candidates will possess the supervisory, management, interpersonal, and communication skills required to interact effectively with staff, representatives of academia, private industry, national and international research and health organizations, other NIH Institutes and Centers, the media, and the public.

Benefits

The Director DAIT will be appointed at a salary commensurate with their qualifications and experience. Full Federal benefits, including leave, health and life insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401K equivalent) will be provided. A recruitment and/or relocation incentive may be available, and relocation expenses may be paid.

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.

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

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

To apply, provide your curriculum vitae (CV), bibliography, a one-page statement explaining your vision for leading a large and complex organization of central importance to NIAID including other NIAID divisions and offices, and a one- to two-page statement explaining your reasons for being interested in this position and specific leadership skills and experience you would bring to NIAID. In addition, up to three letters of professional reference may be required as the recruitment process progresses.

Interested candidates should submit the following to the NIH Specialized Scientific Jobs portal by October 30, 2026:

• Curriculum vitae (CV) and bibliography
• A three-page statement explaining your vision for asthma, autoimmune and immunodeficiency 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.

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

For more information or questions about the position, email [email protected].

All information provided by applicants will remain confidential and be reviewed only by authorized officials associated with recruitment. The successful candidate will be appointed as a Scientific Executive under the Title 42 (f) authority. Salary will be commensurate with experience. A full civil service package of benefits may be available, including retirement; health and life insurance life, and; 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.

The selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a top-secret security clearance. Positions requiring top secret clearance are required to be drug tested. If selected, you must submit to and successfully pass a urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment. The incumbent will be subject to unannounced random drug testing for the duration of their time in this position.

Visit NIAID Careers for more information about working in NIAID’s dynamic atmosphere.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 P.M. ET ON October 30TH, 2026

NIAID, NIH AND DHHS ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS