Clinical Director, NIEHS

Review began: June 10, 2024

POSITION INFORMATION: The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is seeking applications from outstanding clinician-scientist candidates for the position of Clinical Director and Chief of the Clinical Research Branch within the Division of Intramural Research. The NIEHS is located in Research Triangle Park (RTP), near to the University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Central University and Duke University.

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. The Clinical Director reports to the NIEHS Director and coordinates activities with the NIEHS Scientific Director. The incumbent is responsible for the development, administration, coordination and oversight of investigator-initiated clinical research; provides general advice to the Director and Scientific Director on matters relating to human and clinical studies; supervises staff in the NIEHS Clinical Research Unit (CRU) and the NIEHS Office of Human Research and Community Engagement (OHRCE); and develops policies and programs for the execution of clinical research at NIEHS. The Clinical Director is responsible for creating and maintaining a research environment in which clinical findings influence the direction of laboratory studies and laboratory findings are applied back to the clinic and clinical research communities. The incumbent will facilitate intramural clinical research by identifying opportunities for translating basic science into clinical studies and vice versa (back translation of clinical findings to basic science). The Clinical Director will ensure that Institute research reflects the highest standards of scientific excellence and ethical conduct for the protection of human subjects. The incumbent will review matters pertaining to the provision of patient care in research protocols and oversee resource allocation, scientific review, and recruitment of clinical staff. The Clinical Director will provide advice and training on the conduct of clinical studies, facilitate clinical research collaborations between intramural and extramural investigators, and develop long-range clinical research goals and objectives relevant to the mission of NIEHS and the NIEHS Strategic Plan. It is expected that the successful candidate will also oversee their own independent clinical research program that may involve some combination of outpatient-oriented studies within the NIEHS CRU, epidemiological studies, basic laboratory studies, and/or inpatient studies at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda. We envision that the successful candidate will primarily be engaged in clinical research; however, they will also have access to state-of-the-art NIEHS core facilities and may receive resources to support a modest basic science laboratory to facilitate translational research.

The incumbent plays a key role in creating and maintaining a nurturing clinical research environment that encourages creativity, collaboration among scientists from different disciplines, effective training of postdoctoral fellows and trainees, and efficient utilization of resources. The selected candidate will also be responsible for leading the Clinical Research Branch (CRB) whose mission is to: 1) translate basic laboratory findings to humans; 2) study interactions between genetic susceptibility and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of complex human traits and diseases; and 3) identify at-risk populations and develop novel preventative and therapeutic strategies to combat human diseases. Responsibilities will include directing the overall scientific vision of the CRB and overseeing resource allocation. The Chief will also have the opportunity to mentor investigators and clinicians at NIEHS as well as clinical fellows and medical students through affiliations with regional medical institutions.

LOCATION: Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must possess an M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent degree, and have demonstrated scientific leadership and senior-level research experience in a clinical research program of national and international standing in an area relevant to the NIEHS mission. The individual must possess a current, active, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States and be eligible to be credentialed for patient care by the NIH Clinical Center. The successful candidate will have a compelling vision for the future of the field, proven experience in managing and directing a clinical research program, and well-honed administrative and interpersonal skills. The NIEHS seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to maintain the Institute’s clinical research efforts at the forefront of science. Preference will be given to those known and respected within their profession, both nationally and internationally, as distinguished individuals of outstanding scientific competence and those who possess a record of achievement as a senior scientific administrator/executive leader. Applicants also must have demonstrated experience in setting, planning, implementing, and analyzing program objectives and priorities. Candidates should have the demonstrated ability to manage financial and human resources and lead a clinical research program involving extensive internal and external collaboration.

Applications will be accepted from U.S. citizens and non-citizens as allowed by appropriations and statutes.

SALARY/BENEFITS: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with the experience 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.

Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: 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. 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 at the 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 United States 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.

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.

HOW TO APPLY: Applications will be accepted from U.S. citizens and non-citizens as allowed by appropriations and statutes. Interested candidates should submit the following: a Cover Letter (not to exceed 2 pages), including a statement of qualifications for the position and vision for leading the NIEHS Clinical Research Program; Curriculum Vitae including bibliography; Statement of commitment to DEIA principles including a description of mentoring and outreach activities, especially those involving women and persons from other groups which are underrepresented in biomedical research (not to exceed 1 page); Statement of Future Research Plans (not to exceed 4 pages); and full contact information for three (3) references. Application packages should be sent as PDFs by email to int-appls@niehs.nih.gov. All emails should include vacancy number AC1599 in the subject line. Questions should be directed to Dr. Janice Lee, Chair of the Search Committee, at int-appls@niehs.nih.gov.

Applications will be accepted beginning April 1, 2024 and must be received by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on June 10, 2024 for consideration in the initial review period. Review of applications will begin on or about June 10, 2024, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This position is subject to a background check.

PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTH DATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER ON APPLICATION MATERIALS

HHS, NIH, and NIEHS are Equal Opportunity Employers.