Director, Chromatin Biology, NCI

Review begins: October 1, 2023

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is seeking an outstanding, internationally recognized, and visionary leader in the field of chromatin biology to direct an internationally recognized research program in the current Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression (LRBGE) in the NCI Center for Cancer Research (CCR). This position is part of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) world-class Intramural Research Program and is equivalent to a tenured academic department chair.

The LRBGE is a world leader in elucidating fundamental properties of gene expression and genome organization, including 3D genome organization, centromere biology, gene and transcription factor dynamics, RNA splicing and RNA modifications. LRBGE comprises six principal investigators and includes core facilities for advanced light imaging and high-throughput imaging. 

The successful candidate will be an exceptional leader in the chromosome biology field with a broad vision who will embrace the rapidly changing landscape of the field. The selected individual will have the opportunity to build an impactful research program relevant to cancer research by setting the scientific direction and vision of the program. The Director will define the overall scientific strategy and direction of the program and will identify new research opportunities, including recruitment of faculty, management of laboratory resources, and mentoring and training. The incoming Director must have a strong, clearly articulated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In addition to heading the LRBGE, the Director will also be tenure eligible at the NIH and will lead their own individual world-class research program, supported by generous, stable resources, including access to a wide range of NCI technology platforms and interdisciplinary collaborations within NCI, as well as at NIH and its Clinical Center. NCI intramural investigators are not expected to support their research via grants.

The Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is home to nearly 250 basic and clinical research groups located on two campuses just outside of Washington, D.C. CCR is part of the NCI and makes up the largest component of the research effort at the NIH. Centrally supported by long-term funding, no need for grant support, and a culture of complete intellectual freedom, CCR scientists pursue the most important and challenging problems in cancer research. We collaborate with academic and commercial partners and advocacy groups across the world in efforts to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. The CCR research portfolio seamlessly covers the full spectrum of biological and biomedical research from basic science to our extensive clinical activities, including our clinical trials conducted in the NIH Clinical Center, the world’s largest hospital dedicated to clinical research. The success of CCR is grounded in an exceptionally strong discovery research program that provides the foundation for the seamless translation of insights from bench to bedside.

The successful candidate must hold a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent. Additionally, the successful candidate must have an established record in the field, demonstrated leadership ability, and proven effectiveness in mentoring. This position is located at the NIH campus in Bethesda, M.D. and requires significant in-person on-site presence.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. A full civil service package of benefits (including health insurance, life insurance, and retirement) is available. Candidates may be U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or eligible for a visa that will enable work in the United States. This position is subject to a background investigation.

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• A letter of interest, including a career synopsis
• A forward-looking statement of research interests and vision statement for the LRBGE (four-page limit)
• A current curriculum vitae and complete bibliography
• A diversity statement describing your track record of and commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in biomedical research and/or medicine, including but not limited to successful recruitment and/or mentorship of trainees from historically underrepresented groups, participation on committees and in programs/initiatives addressing issues of diversity and inclusion, and your future plans for addressing diversity and inclusion as a Laboratory Director (one-page limit)

Applications should be submitted electronically to https://service.cancer.gov/ccr-careers and will be accepted until the position is filled. Review of applications will begin approximately October 1, 2023.

For more information, please contact Lori Holliday, CCR Faculty Recruitment Coordinator at hollidal@mail.nih.gov.

DHHS, NIH, and NCI are equal opportunity employers.

The NIH and NCI are dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.