Director, Division for Research Capacity Building

Job Summary

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) is 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 $3.0 billion and a staff totaling approximately 204. NIGMS provides a national focus for the Federal effort to support research that increases understanding of life processes and lays the foundation for advances in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. NIGMS-funded researchers seek to answer important scientific questions in fields such as cell biology, biophysics, genetics, developmental biology, pharmacology, physiology, biological chemistry, biomedical technology, bioinformatics, computational biology, and specific cross-cutting clinical areas that affect multiple organ systems. NIGMS also provides leadership in training the next generation of scientists to assure the vitality and continued productivity of the research enterprise.

The Division for Research Capacity Building seeks to enhance the research, research training, research infrastructure, and faculty development of institutions in states and jurisdictions that have historically received low levels of NIH support. DRCB is thus responsible for both broadening the distribution of NIH biomedical research funding and supporting the NIGMS' commitment to developing a broad and diverse biomedical research workforce. DRCB manages a number of highly impactful initiatives, including the Institutional Development Awards (IDeA), Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH), Support for Research Excellence (SuRE), and Science Education Partnership Awards (SEPA) programs. These programs build research capacity and support research, career development, and scientific infrastructure in states, regions, communities and institutions that do not receive substantial levels of NIH funding.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to set scientific priorities, lead change, and improve the biomedical research enterprise. The DRCB director is a key member of the NIGMS senior leadership team and supervises a staff of approximately 15 program officers.

Required Qualifications

NIGMS 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 M.D. and/or Ph.D or doctoral level degree in health or allied sciences as well as research experience, management experience, interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be a leader who has demonstrated experience in setting, planning, implementing and analyzing program objectives and priorities and should have the demonstrated ability to manage financial and human resources and coordinate a research portfolio involving extensive internal and external collaboration. This position will be filled under a Title 42 (f) excepted service appointment.

Benefits

The Director, DRCB will be appointed at a salary commensurate with candidate’s qualifications and experience. A recruitment or relocation bonus may be available, and relocation expenses may be paid. Full Federal benefits, including leave, health and life insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401K equivalent) will be provided.

Please read the following guidance on Selective Service Requirements. 
 

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. The NIH 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 at NIH Ethics Website. We encourage you to review this information. The position is subject to a background investigation and 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 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.

If selected, you will be subject to a two-year trial period under this appointment.

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.