Scientific Director, NHLBI

Review begins: March 12, 2022

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Scientific Director to provide leading-edge scientific and transformative leadership to its well-established Division of Intramural Research (DIR).

The NIH intramural research program is one of the largest biomedical enterprises in the world, consistently making major contributions to the understanding of biology and clinical medicine. NHLBI is a national and international leader in heart, lung, and blood diseases, and sleep disorders research. The Scientific Director leads NHLBI’s flagship scientific intramural basic, clinical, translational and population science research programs which has been at the forefront of scientific innovation and first in human applications. The DIR's studies span the clinical research spectrum: from basic science, to the bedside, and ultimately population studies in collaboration with other NIH Institutes. The DIR's insights into disease mechanisms have long yielded the foundation for translational research into new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Some current areas of fundamental interest include single molecule structure, protein assembly, molecular and cell biology, cell signaling and motility, membrane trafficking, physiology, systems biology, and engineering and technology development. Insights into disease mechanisms derived from basic studies form the basis for translational research into new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

DIR investigators also conduct bench-to-bedside clinical studies in the areas of interventional and surgical cardiology, pulmonary medicine, rare diseases such as sickle cell anemia, Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), bone marrow transplant, and hematologic disorders.
Underlying its broad mission is a research environment utilizing advanced scientific cores, a clinical support program, and partnership with the NIH Clinical Center for state-of-the-art support. Importantly, the DIR also provides state-of-the-art training in basic, translational, population science and clinical research for the next generation of scientific and clinical leaders. 

The Scientific Director is responsible for an annual budget exceeding $165 million and a staff of approximately 850 with more than 230 trainees. The NHLBI DIR has 4 Basic Centers and 9 Clinical Branches with 17 tenure-track investigators and 45 tenured investigators along with 13 Core Facilities which provide scientific resources, cutting-edge technologies, and novel approaches to support DIR scientists. In addition to providing scientific and administrative leadership for this premier research enterprise, the Scientific Director is expected to be a nationally/internationally recognized, highly accomplished researcher in heart, lung and/or blood research, and will have the opportunity to maintain an active research group as part of the NHLBI Intramural Research Program.

This position offers a unique and exciting opportunity to provide innovative and transformative scientific, programmatic, and administrative leadership and vision to an Intramural Research Program that aligns with the institute’s broader mission and strategic objectives. The Scientific Director will be responsible for recruiting and providing leadership and inclusive excellence for the NHLBI research faculty; creating and maintaining a research environment that encourages creativity and collaboration among different disciplines; fostering and nurturing a diverse, inclusive, equitable workplace environment; Providing opportunities for scientists and trainees to work together towards a better understanding of molecular machines, the cell, the body, and ultimately the treatment of human diseases; and providing effective administrative management and being an active and valued member of the overall NHLBI executive leadership team.

LOCATION: Bethesda, Md.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have an M.D. and/or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the biomedical sciences, broad knowledge of the biomedical research enterprise and a compelling vision for the future of the fields of heart, lung and blood research, including clinical applications. Applicants will ideally have proven experience in directing and managing a large and diverse scientific research program and will have well-honed administrative and interpersonal skills. Applicants should be highly skilled in facilitating productive interactions among researchers; possess the credentials to lead research across the entire spectrum of basic, translational, population sciences and clinical research; have the ability to serve as the spokesperson both nationally and internationally on NHLBI intramural research activities; and be able to build and lead a robust scientific and administrative infrastructure. Ideal candidates must have an ability to provide strong mentorship and to create opportunities in support of a diverse workforce, possessing a record of previous accomplishments in basic, translational, population science or clinical research and knowledge of computational sciences. Applicants should be known and respected within their profession, both nationally and internationally, as distinguished individuals of outstanding scientific competence and integrity. Applicants should have the ability to provide leading-edge scientific and transformative leadership to a well-established intramural program.

Expanded/Maximum Telework Posture: Due to COVID-19, the agency is currently in a maximum telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to telework upon your appointment. As employees are permitted to return to the office, you may be required to report to the duty station listed on this announcement within 30 calendar days of receiving notice to do so, even if your home/temporary telework site is located outside the local commuting area. Your position may be eligible for workplace flexibilities which may include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the HHS Workplace Flexibilities policy.

SALARY/BENEFITS: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience. A full Federal benefits package is available, including retirement, health and life insurance, long-term care insurance, annual and sick leave, and the Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent). Relocation expenses may be approved for the selectee. Resources will be available to support the Scientific Director’s own research program.

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.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT/FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: The 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 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 education institutions in the United States. 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.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: NIH provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations 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: Applicants must submit...

• Current Curriculum Vitae with bibliography
• Copy of degree
• Full contact information for 5 references 
• Statement that includes the candidate’s vision for leading the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research and a separate statement that addresses the specific qualification requirements including administrative experience. Please limit both statements to two pages each. 
• Description of mentoring and outreach activities in which you have been involved, especially those involving women and persons from racial/ethnic or other groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research. Please limit to one page.

Applications are due via e-mail to the NHLBI Search Committee at nhlbi_careers@mail.nih.gov with subject line: "NHLBI Scientific Director" by March 12, 2022.

Please contact Ariel Herman at nhlbi_careers@mail.nih.gov for questions and/or additional information.

Do not include your birth date or Social Security Number on application materials.

DHHS, NIH, and NHLBI are equal opportunity employers and encourage the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities and individuals with disabilities