Job Summary
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the largest Institutes in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), conducts and supports basic and applied research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases.
The Division of Clinical Research (DCR) within NIAID seeks an enthusiastic and innovative scientific leader to serve as associate director for high containment at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick (IRF-Frederick).
IRF-Frederick is a collaborative resource that facilitates multidisciplinary research to understand, treat, prevent, and eradicate diseases caused by novel, emerging, and highly virulent viruses. IRF-Frederick is a state-of-the-art facility where researchers investigate and stem the global emergence/re-emergence of highly infectious and deadly diseases and study select agents and toxins that could be used as biological weapons.
Responsibilities of the associate director for high containment position include the following:
- Serve as a principal advisor and expert consultant to DCR and NIAID leadership and external stakeholders in designing, implementing, and interpreting pre-clinical studies involving animal models for highly pathogenic viruses, which includes medical imaging for real-time assessment of disease progression
- Manage and coordinate IRF-Frederick’s high-containment (biosafety level [BSL]-3 and BSL-4) laboratory research program, scientific operations, and robust infrastructure needed to support the facility’s capabilities
- Provide scientific leadership and expertise in designing, implementing, managing, and interpreting high-priority infectious diseases research composed of highly complex projects with global scope and impact
- Develop and implement biosafety requirements for IRF-Frederick’s clinical, laboratory, and vivarium space and develop guidelines, policies, and standards for the operation of the facility and its research activities
Specific research responsibilities of the position include:
- Direct the scientific and operational development of complex, multidisciplinary research protocols under BSL-3 and BSL-4 containment conditions and monitor the conditions and practices related to BSL-3 and BSL-4 environments
- Design, facilitate, and evaluate research projects to develop in vitro and in vivo models for BSL-3 and BSL-4 agents to develop countermeasures
- Oversee and participate in studies to identify the pathogenic mechanisms involved in life-threatening infectious viral diseases
- Manage the concept development process to evaluate new opportunities for IRF-Frederick involvement and assist in shaping concepts into viable and achievable projects
- Direct the exploration and recommendation of new or enhanced technologies for the facility’s application and evaluate and develop innovative strategies to better support and facilitate the facility’s research program operations
- Serve as a contracting officer’s representative and manage the prime contract for research services that support IRF-Frederick
The selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a top secret security clearance.
Required Qualifications
To be eligible for this position, candidates must be a U.S. citizen, or U.S. National. Foreign nationals or legal permanent residents are not eligible for consideration. Candidates must indicate their U.S. citizenship status on their CV or within their email application submission.
In order to qualify for this position, candidates must possess either a doctoral-level degree in biomedicine or a biological related field, or a master's level or higher degree in:
- engineering
- bioinformatics
- or an emerging or related scientific field.
In addition, candidates must have at least one year of experience related to the position, including achievements in one or more of the following areas to demonstrate the individual has received recognition as an expert in the field:
- Conducted original biomedical research published in peer-reviewed journals of high stature
- Received major prizes and awards (such as visiting professorships and named lectureships) in recognition of original contributions to biomedical research
- Received invitations to speak at or chair major national or international meetings or symposia
- Elected to membership in professional societies of high stature, or
- Meets other criteria demonstrating sufficient rigor or accomplishment in a relevant or closely related field that is necessary to the accomplishment of NIH's mission.
If you are a current Federal Title 5 employee, you must have one year of equivalent experience at the GS-14 level or above
Benefits
A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, 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
If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency.
Foreign Education
This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Learn more about Foreign Education.
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.