Job Posting: Director, Division of Extramural Activities

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 (DHHS) with an annual budget of approximately $3.2B, is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Director of the Division of Extramural Activities (DEA). Additional information about the DEA is available at https://nigms.nih.gov/dea/Pages/Division-of-Extramural-Activities.

The DEA is responsible for the grant-related activities of the Institute, including the receipt, referral, and advisory council review of applications as well as grant funding and management. Its staff maintains an overview of the Institute's scientific and financial status and advises the NIGMS director, and other key staff, on policy matters and on the planning, development and scientific administration of Institute research and training programs. It also acts as a liaison with other components of the National Institutes of Health for activities relating to grant policy, extramural procedures, application assignments and foreign grant awards.

Duties

The Division Director for Extramural Activities leads the DEA, which is responsible for the following: 1) maintaining an overview of the scientific and financial status of the Institute’s program to produce effective advice to the Director, NIGMS in the planning, development, and scientific administration of NIGMS’ program areas; 2) stimulating interactions and exchanges of information between program areas to promote understanding of the Institute’s long-range plans for program balance; 3) interpreting the effects of proposals for long-term support on projected Institute plans; 4) recommending budget allocations for the various programs; 5) representing NIGMS at Extramural Program Management Committee (EPMC) and other meetings dealing with proposed or revised grant policy programs and procedures; 6) monitoring and acting as a liaison with other ICs for activities relating to grant policy, extramural procedures, application assignments, and foreign grant awards; 7) advising staff about regulatory and legislative developments affecting program operations and giving guidance on operational policies to assure uniformity of management; and 8) supervising grants management staff.

In addition, the Division Director serves as the primary advisor to the Director, NIGMS, with regard to the analysis of grants policy and funding issues. The incumbent also serves as Executive Secretary of National Advisory General Medical Sciences (NAGMS) Council and is an active member of the NIGMS senior staff, the Institute’s senior policy-making body, presenting proposals and recommending priorities for the overall grant and contract support activities of the Institute. This includes participation in determining NIGMS’ funding priorities. In addition to the incumbent’s immediate office, the Division Director also has oversight responsibility for the NIGMS Grants Administration Branch (GAB). Consisting of approximately 50 Grants Management Specialist positions, GAB is the single largest component within the Institute.

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

The NIGMS seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to lead a dynamic and productive organization. Applicants must possess an M.D., Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in biomedical science or a directly related scientific field as well as research experience, management experience, interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage stakeholders. The ideal candidate should be known and highly respected within their profession, as individuals of outstanding scientific competence and have demonstrated experience in setting, planning, implementing, and analyzing program objectives and priorities including management of financial and human resources. This 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 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 processor 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(s), 3) bibliography (if not included in the curriculum vitae), 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 may be required as the recruitment process progresses. Applications will be accepted beginning on June 8/2026,and the announcement will remain open until filled.

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

Email your complete application package to the Search Committee at [email protected].Questions may also be directed to the administrative team by emailing [email protected]. Applicants are encouraged to browse the DEA home page at https://nigms.nih.gov/dea/Pages/Division-of-Extramural-Activities.

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