Job Summary
The NIH is the premier biomedical research center for the world. Its 27 institutes and centers employ more than 18,000 employees doing a vast array of jobs, all supporting efforts for a healthy nation.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Scientific Director of the Division of Translation Toxicology (DTT), formerly the Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), to provide creative scientific vision and innovative leadership.Â
The NIEHS is a premier research institute where intramural investigators study a wide range of important biologic questions related to effects of the environment on human health. This leadership position with the DTT offers a unique and exciting opportunity to develop and implement strategies that support the NIEHS Strategic Vision. The Scientific Director will be responsible for recruiting and providing leadership for the research faculty; creating and maintaining a research environment that encourages creativity and collaboration among different disciplines; nurturing an inclusive and diverse environment for trainees at all levels; providing effective administrative management; and being an active and valued member of the overall NIEHS senior leadership team.
The DTT https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/dtt/index.cfm conducts innovative toxicology research that aligns with real-world public health needs to translate scientific evidence into knowledge that can inform individual and public decision making. The DTT research portfolio is organized and executed using a strategic framework based on three objectives: 1) accelerate the progress toward becoming a more predictive, precise, and preventive science through the deliberate application of a translational toxicology pipeline of capabilities; 2) provide an evidence-based approach to identifying and understanding potential environmental contributors to contemporary and common diseases; 3) improve the ability to conduct and communicate substance-based hazard evaluations that are more translational, innovative, and responsive. The DTT has four strategic programmatic areas of focus: Exposure-based Research, Health Effects Innovation, Responsive Research, and Strengthening Capabilities. There are specific research programs within each focus area. All research programs use a team-based operating model. DTT scientists identify key environmental health research gaps, develop plans, and execute on those plans using a portfolio of internal and external laboratory and non-laboratory-based resources. Â
The DTT scientists use a variety of traditional and cutting-edge approaches to better understand how factors in our environment impact our health. They work in multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with scientists in other federal agencies, institutes/centers at the NIH, industry, and academia. Â The mission is to improve public health through data and knowledge development that are translatable, predictive, and timely. This is accomplished by achieving the goals to 1) collaborate with public stakeholders and global partners to identify and address public health issues; 2) generate and communicate trusted scientific information to support decision making on environmental hazards of public interest; 3) lead the transformation of toxicology through the development and application of innovative tools and strategies; and 4) educate and train the next generation of translational scientists to be innovative leaders in the field.
The Scientific Director of the DTT is responsible for an annual budget exceeding $114 million and oversees a diverse staff of approximately 390 individuals. The DTT is comprised of five branches and five offices in the Office of the Acting Scientific Director. Â In addition to providing scientific and administrative leadership for this research enterprise, the Scientific Director is expected to be an internationally recognized and highly accomplished researcher in toxicology or a related field. Â The individual will be eligible to have an active research group as part of the intramural research program.
Administrative duties of the Scientific Director include managing resources with budget formulation/execution, workforce development and operations, contracts, equipment, laboratory and office space management, organizational and individual review processes as well as establishing Division-level policy and procedures. In addition, the Scientific Director supports a culture of laboratory safety, IT security, record-keeping and technology transfer practices, and ensuring written Standard Operating Practices (SOPs) are available and communicated.Â
The DTT Scientific Director serves as the DTT representative to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Steering Committee to help advance the mission and vision of the NTP. The NTP leads the nation in conducting toxicology testing and research aimed at the prevention of environmental causes of and contributions to human disease; development of novel tools and approaches to better predict how environmental exposures affect human health; and improve our understanding of how environmental agents interact with human biological systems. Â The DTT Scientific Director also serves on the Senior Leadership Committee (SLC) of the NIEHS. Â The SLC provides senior level guidance and recommendations to the NIEHS Director in support of a wide range of institute activities.Â
The Scientific Director is expected to participate in and contribute to meetings and conferences with top level agency interdepartmental officials, industry representatives, senior scientific/professional and subject matter specialists, and members of the scientific and academic communities to discuss translational toxicology research and NTP programs.
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For information about the NIH mission, goals and institutes and centers, visit https://www.nih.gov/about-nih.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must have a doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent) in biomedical sciences and have an exceptional record of previous research accomplishments in the field of toxicology or a related field. Candidates will ideally have a demonstrated ability to lead and manage large and diverse research-based programs and possess a defined vision for toxicology in the 21st century. Â It is expected that applicants will be an internationally recognized subject matter expert with a strong track record in mentoring trainees/junior faculties, be committed to diversity, and foster an open, transparent approach to overseeing research.Â
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Benefits
Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate.  A full package of Federal Civil Service benefits is available, including retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent).  A recruitment and/or relocation incentive may be available and relocation expenses may be paid. Resources will be available to support the Scientific Director’s own research program.
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Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements.Â
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. Â The NIH and NIEHS encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.
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 on the NIH Ethics website. We encourage you to review this information.  The position 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 United States. We will only accept the completed foreign education evaluation. For more information on foreign education verification, visit the https://www.naces.org 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
NIH provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.