Job Posting: Deputy Director, Division of Cancer Biology

Summary

The incumbent of this position serves as the Deputy Director of the Division of Cancer Biology (DCB) at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH). DCB’s primary mission is to support and advance a national research program focused on the fundamental biological mechanisms underlying cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. The Division supports a comprehensive portfolio of basic and early translational research addressing cellular, molecular, genetic, epigenetic, biochemical, and biophysical processes that drive cancer, as well as studies of biological, hormonal, environmental, chemical, and physical agents involved in cancer etiology.

The incumbent reports directly to the Director, DCB, a Title 42 Senior Executive, and serves as the senior scientific leader responsible for assisting in the overall scientific direction, administration, and management of the Division. The Deputy Director shares responsibility for stewardship of an extensive extramural research portfolio consisting of more than 2,000 grants and cooperative agreements with an annual budget of approximately $1.1 billion.

As an Institute expert in cancer biology, the incumbent provides high-level scientific leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of research programs that address critical gaps and emerging opportunities in basic and mechanistic cancer research. The incumbent advises the Director, DCB, and NCI senior leadership on scientific priorities, budget strategy, and programmatic balance to ensure that investments align with NCI and NIH strategic objectives.

In collaboration with the Director and Division Leadership, the incumbent provides strategic input leading to judgments and decisions regarding the initiation of new programs, recompetition and continuation of existing programs, and identification of areas requiring special scientific emphasis. Responsibilities include defining program goals, identifying necessary human and material resources, evaluating research progress and impact, and ensuring that supported activities reflect the highest standards of scientific rigor, innovation, and stewardship.

Duties

The incumbent provides executive oversight for scientific planning, resource allocation, and operational administration across the Division. This includes supervisory oversight of branch leadership and senior extramural scientific staff, ensuring effective portfolio management, workforce planning, and adherence to NIH policies and federal regulations governing grants and cooperative agreements.

As a nationally and internationally recognized leader in cancer biology, the Deputy Director represents DCB and NCI in trans-NIH initiatives, interagency collaborations, and interactions with the broader biomedical research community. The incumbent organizes and participates in scientific workshops, advisory panels, and conferences to assess the current state of the field, stimulate new research directions, and foster collaborations with academia, industry, and other federal agencies.

The incumbent develops and expands research programs through engagement with scientific organizations, professional societies, and other NIH Institutes and Centers. The Deputy Director serves as a spokesperson for DCB at national and international scientific meetings and provides authoritative guidance on issues related to fundamental cancer biology and cancer etiology.

The Deputy Director shares responsibility with the Director for the development and implementation of long-range strategic, scientific, operational, and workforce plans for the Division. The incumbent contributes to business planning, facilities planning, partnership development, and coordination of Division activities within NCI’s broader organizational framework.

Through leadership of this large and complex extramural portfolio, the incumbent plays a critical role in shaping the national research agenda in cancer biology and ensuring that fundamental discoveries lay the groundwork for advances in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Candidates must possess an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a closely related scientific discipline relevant to the mission of the Division of Cancer Biology (DCB). The ideal candidate will have an internationally recognized record of scientific achievement and leadership in basic and/or mechanistic cancer research, as evidenced by a distinguished publication record, sustained peer-reviewed research support, leadership of major scientific initiatives, and recognition within the broader biomedical research community.

Applicants must demonstrate extensive knowledge of the biological mechanisms underlying cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and cancer etiology, including expertise in emerging areas of cancer biology and translational science. Candidates should possess broad scientific vision and the ability to identify critical research gaps, evaluate scientific opportunities, and develop innovative strategies that advance the national cancer research agenda.

The position requires substantial senior-level leadership and management experience overseeing large, complex biomedical research programs or portfolios, preferably within a federal, academic, nonprofit, or other major research enterprise environment. Candidates must demonstrate experience managing multidisciplinary scientific programs, allocating resources strategically, evaluating scientific progress and impact, and leading high-performing scientific and administrative teams.

Applicants must possess demonstrated ability to:

• Provide executive-level scientific and operational leadership for complex research organizations and programs;
• Develop and implement strategic scientific priorities and long-range planning initiatives;
• Advise senior leadership on scientific, programmatic, and budgetary matters;
• Build collaborations across government, academia, industry, and professional organizations;
• Represent organizations effectively in national and international scientific forums; and
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing scientific workforce.

Candidates should have a strong understanding of the extramural research enterprise, including peer review, grants administration, cooperative agreements, and federal policies governing biomedical research programs. Experience with NIH or other federal research funding mechanisms is highly desirable.

Exceptional communication, organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills are essential, including the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively to diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Benefits

The Deputy Director 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 Servicerequirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, with no discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.

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 theNational 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

Applicants must submit 1) current Curriculum Vitae, 2) copy of degree, 3) bibliography (if not included in curriculum vitae), and 4) full contact details for three references. Applications will be accepted beginning on October 1, 2026.

Applications will be accepted from U.S. citizens and non-citizens as allowed by appropriations and statute. (You can use this language when the position does not require a secret of higher clearance).

Email your complete application package to Bridgette Tobiassen at [email protected] by the closing date noted below. Questions may also be directed to Bridgette Tobiassen by calling 240-276-6189. Applicants are encouraged to browse the National Cancer Institute/Division of Cancer Biology 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 OCTOBER 31, 2026.

DHHS AND NIH ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS