Job Posting: Deputy Director for Intramural Research

Summary

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the world’s premier biomedical research institution, is seeking applications from exceptional candidates for the exciting position of Deputy Director for Intramural Research (DDIR). The NIH is the largest public funder of biomedical research and education in the world; it provides leadership in science and biomedical programs designed to enhance the nation's health through discovery of new scientific knowledge and its application to health, and the advancement of education, training and international exchange of knowledge and information. The NIH Intramural Program is among the largest biomedical research organizations in the world and is currently home to more than 1,000 tenured or tenure-track investigators. Research interests span from the study of molecular structures at the atomic level to investigations of disease at the community and population levels.

The DDIR, NIH oversees the Office of Intramural Research which is responsible for the development and implementation of NIH-wide intramural research projects and policies, as well as the oversight and coordination of intramural research, training, and technology transfer conducted within the laboratories and clinics of the National Institutes of Health. OIR is also directly responsible for overseeing human subjects protection for clinical research conducted by NIH investigators, animal care and use, the NIH graduate school programs, research integrity, and a number of NIH-wide programs for recruitment of tenure-track and other early career investigators. NIH’s intramural facilities are located on the main campus in Bethesda, Maryland, as well as in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; Baltimore, Maryland; Frederick, Maryland; Hamilton, Montana; and Phoenix, Arizona. Organizationally, individual investigators and their research programs are part of the 24 Institute- and Center-based intramural programs within NIH, which conduct applied clinical, epidemiologic, population, social-behavioral and basic biomedical research in particular disease or subject areas, including health equity.

As the DDIR, NIH, the incumbent serves under the general direction of the Director, NIH, as the principal advisor on all matters relating to the quality and effectiveness of NIH intramural science and research policies. The DDIR works with the Institute and Center Directors (ICDs), the IC Scientific Directors (SDs), and the IC Clinical Directors (CDs) to facilitate productive interaction between the Institute/Center (IC) intramural programs and to ensure proper oversight. The DDIR evaluates the IC plans and policies for biomedical research conducted intramurally and makes recommendations to the Director. The incumbent plays a major role in the evaluation of quality of the IC intramural research programs and provide oversight in the assessment of the size and types of resources needed to maintain and/or improve these programs and establishment of the standards by which such programs should be judged.

The DDIR provides the overall planning for the intramural research programs of the NIH. This planning must address major areas of public interest, Department of Health and Human Services and United States Public Health Service policy, and trans-NIH issues arising within the ICs. The DDIR is responsible for developing plans and standards and trans-NIH programs to foster excellence in research and the successful recruitment, development, and retention of top scientists of world renown and diverse origins at NIH. Incumbent provides an atmosphere for open interaction between ICs on intramural programs by promoting innovative initiatives, trans-Institute collaboration, and shared research services. Specific areas of review authority include approval of all new tenure actions within the intramural programs, review and approval of all intramural search committees and candidates for positions as Principal Investigators in the intramural research program, evaluation of the composition of the Boards of Scientific Counselors of the ICs, as well as the quality of the reviews of intramural scientists and of the performance of the SDs and CDs of the ICs.

The DDIR identifies major areas of research interest by remaining constantly aware of advances and developments in biomedical research and training, both within this country and abroad. Through the use of a shared discretionary fund, the DDIR is able to catalyze new initiatives, establishment of novel core facilities, and facilitate high-profile recruitment of new talent to the program.

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

The NIH seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to lead a dynamic and diverse organization. Applicants must possess a Ph.D. and/or an M.D. (or equivalent degree) and have demonstrated senior-level research experience and knowledge in the broad field of biomedical research and extensive experience in the management and administration of programs of research. They should be known and highly respected within their profession, internationally and nationally, as individuals of outstanding scientific competence and have demonstrated experience in setting, planning, implementing, and analyzing program objectives and priorities. Demonstrated leadership capability; a high-level work performance record; a biomedical research and public health orientation; the capability to oversee a multi-faceted, internationally recognized program in fundamental and clinical research; extensive training and experience in research and research administration; an ability to stimulate and motivate a team effort; and personal stature as a recognized leader, scientist, and administrator. Top candidates must have demonstrated interest and achievement in mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership for investigators at all stages – from trainees to senior scientists and clinicians and will be expected to create opportunities in support of the workforce and possess a record of previous accomplishments in these areas.

Candidates will be expected to align work systems to promote scientific innovation and collaboration. Candidates are also encouraged to establish (or maintain) an active research program within the NIH Intramural Research Program.

This position requires the selectee to be a U.S. citizen and to obtain and maintain, at a minimum, a secret security clearance. This position is a Testing Designated Position, which requires the incumbent to submit to random urine testing for illegal drugs or substances.

Benefits

The DDIR, NIH, will be appointed at a salary commensurate with the selectee’s qualifications and experience, and NIH salary guidelines. Full Federal benefits will be provided, including retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and a savings plan (401(k) equivalent). A recruitment 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 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

NIH 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 on the NIH Ethics Program website. We encourage you to review this information. The position is subject to a background investigation and requires the selectee 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 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

You are required to note the position you are applying for in the subject line of your application package email. If this is not annotated, your application will not be considered.

Applicants must submit a 1) current curriculum vitae, 2) bibliography (if not included in your curriculum vitae), 3) a supplemental narrative statement (no more than four pages) that addresses their vision for the Institute, their qualifications and interest in the position, and include a description of mentoring and outreach activities in which they have been involved, 4) a photocopy of their doctoral degree, and 5) acknowledgement of U.S. Citizenship on their CV or within the body of their application package email.

Email your complete application package to Ms. Emily Ellis at [email protected] by the closing date noted below. Questions may also be directed to Ms. Ellis by calling 301-451-0086. Applicants are encouraged to browse the OIR home page: https://oir.nih.gov/

All information provided by applicants will remain confidential and will be reviewed only by officials authorized by NIH.

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

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 P.M. (ET) July 15, 2026

DHHS AND NIH ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS