Job Posting: Director, Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry

Summary

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Director of the Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry (PPBC). Information about PPBC is available athttps://www.nigms.nih.gov/about/overview/Pages/PPBC.

PPBC is one of five scientific divisions within the NIGMS and had a budget of about $675 million in FY2025. The division is organized into three branches and has 14 scientific staff members who serve as program officers. PPBC supports a broad spectrum of research aimed at improving the molecular level understanding of fundamental biological processes and identifying approaches to modify, control, or use those processes. The division supports a limited portfolio of clinical research areas, specifically those involving multiple organ systems.

Research supported by PPBC takes a multifaceted approach to problems in pharmacology, physiology, and biological chemistry that are basic in nature. Focus areas include mechanisms underlying responses to drugs, new methods, and targets for drug discovery and production; an enhanced understanding of biological catalysis; an improved understanding of drug action and of anesthesia; and knowledge of metabolic regulation and fundamental chemical or biochemical processes. The division supports state-of-the art research approaches that employ optimal research organisms for the problems being addressed. Work supported by PPBC also applies biological, engineering, and data science approaches to clinical issues in sepsis, traumatic injury, and critical illness.

The Division Director reports to the NIGMS Director and is a member of the NIGMS senior leadership team, which helps set policies and priorities for the Institute. The division director provides strategic scientific leadership of the division and directs a program of research grants that are aligned with emerging scientific opportunities, as well as NIGMS and NIH priorities. The division director engages the National Advisory General Medical Sciences Council and other advisory bodies to obtain programmatic input on research priorities within pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, and related chemical sciences, and advises the NIGMS director on funding decisions. The division director also provides guidance to universities, medical research centers, and professional and public organizations regarding emerging research needs and program requirements.

This position offers important opportunities to set scientific priorities, lead change, and improve the biomedical research enterprise.

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Candidates must possess an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree in a field relevant to the position. The ideal candidate will have considerable research experience and will possess a broad spectrum of scientific knowledge related to the NIGMS mission. In addition, candidates should possess recognized research management and leadership abilities. A strong understanding of pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry and chemistry that deepens the understanding of biology is desired. The position will be filled under a Title 42 (f) excepted service appointment.

Benefits

The Director position 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 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

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 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 1) current curriculum vitae, 2) copy of degree, 3) bibliography, and 4) full contact information. In addition, applicants are asked to prepare two statements: a vision statement and a statement that addresses the specific qualification requirements (please limit both statements to two pages each). In addition, three letters of professional reference maybe required at a later date as the recruitment process progresses. Applications will be accepted beginning on June 22, 2026,and the announcement will remain open until filled. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by July 22, 2026.

Applications will be accepted from U.S. citizens and non-citizens as allowed by appropriations and statute.

Email your complete application package to [email protected] by the closing date noted below. Questions may also be directed to Dee Winborne by emailing [email protected] . Applicants are encouraged to browse the NIGMS/PPBC home page.

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 ON JULY 22, 2026, FOR PRIORITY CONSIDERATION

DHHS AND NIH ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS