Job Summary
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the world’s premier biomedical research institution, is seeking applications from exceptional candidates for the exciting position of Director, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The mission of NIMH is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure. The NIMH provides national leadership dedicated to understanding, treating, and preventing mental illnesses through basic research on the brain and behavior, and through clinical, epidemiological, and health services research. The Institute: (1) Provides leadership for a national program to increase knowledge and advance effective strategies to promote mental health and the prevention and treatment of mental illness; (2) conducts and supports research and research training on the biological, psychological, behavioral, developmental, epidemiological, and social science aspects of mental health and illness and also conducts and supports research regarding treatment and prevention for mental illnesses; (3) collects, analyzes, and disseminates scientific information on the incidence, prevalence, and resources for the treatment of mental illness; and, (4) carries out administrative and financial management, policy development, planning and evaluation, and public information functions that are required to implement such programs.
The Director, NIMH, primarily provides overall executive direction and scientific leadership for NIMH and serves as a principal advisor to the NIH Director concerning matters related to mental illness. The incumbent keeps the NIH Director abreast of NIMH developments, accomplishments, and needs as they relate to the overall mission of NIH and the broader biomedical ecosystem. The Director, NIMH, provides visionary leadership and direction by defining the goals, priorities, policies, and program objectives. In exercising their responsibilities for program planning, implementation, and evaluation, the incumbent works with and seeks the advice of a wide range of groups within the scientific community and with various other federal agencies, national and international agencies, private foundations, and professional and lay organizations with common interests.
The Director, NIMH, oversees the $2.3 billion research organization and its staff totaling approximately 1600 FTEs, trainees, and contractors. In doing so, the incumbent is responsible for managing a high-level complex organization and serves as the chief visionary for the organization. The incumbent actively engages others to create a shared vision of the purpose and direction of the organization and works collaboratively within the organization, across NIH, and with external entities to accomplish NIMH goals. The incumbent must demonstrate a keen awareness of the workings of other federal and non-federal agencies and of the public sector, successfully navigating these environments to promote and reach NIMH and NIH objectives.
The Director, NIMH, also co-leads trans-NIH neuroscience programs such as the Blueprint for Neuroscience and the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative.
Required Qualifications
The NIH seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to lead a dynamic and diverse organization. The scientific implications of the research programs require extensive experience and knowledge of federal research grants. Applicants must possess an M.D. and/or Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree, in a mental health-relevant discipline. In addition, the incumbent must have experience and demonstrated ability to administer and manage a major national research program as well as broad familiarity and working knowledge of mental illness research. The incumbent must possess in-depth knowledge and personal research experience in one or more of NIMH's research areas. Applicants should be known and respected within their profession, both nationally and internationally, and as individuals of outstanding scientific competence.
Because of the high public visibility involved in the resources for which NIMH is responsible, a scientist with experience and skill as a communicator in matters involving biomedical research in general is desired. The Director, NIMH, is required to be a respected, accomplished senior-level researcher with maturity, integrity, and outstanding communication and interpersonal skills and experienced in giving presentations to scientific and non-scientific audiences. In addition, they must possess political savvy to interact with various audiences and the ability to handle conflicts and diffuse difficult situations.
The Director, NIMH, must be a team player and an innovative and strategic thinker. They must have the skills to liaison and collaborate with representatives of other NIH Institutes and Centers, federal and non-federal agencies, international research organizations, professional societies, foundations, the media, and patient and other advocacy groups; to establish research collaborations with not-for-profit organizations and industry partners; and to maintain a productive work environment that meets workplace diversity, staff professional development, and monitoring objectives.
This position requires the selectee to be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.
Benefits
The Director, NIMH, 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
Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, and without 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. NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.
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
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.