Senior Scientist, Animal Program Director, NICHD

Review begins: March 27, 2023

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland is recruiting for an Animal Program Director (APD) to lead the AAALAC accredited Animal Care Program within its Division of Intramural Research (DIR). Research supported by the Research Animal Medicine Branch (RAMB) illuminates developmental origins of health and disease to help ensure that women and men have good reproductive health, that children are born healthy, and that people develop to live productive lives. More than 40 NICHD Principal Investigators use vertebrate animal models in their research. The NICHD operates two animal facilities: a rodent facility with an average daily census of >10000 cages and an aquatics facility with an average daily census of >20000 tanks. More detailed information about the NICHD DIR may be found at https://www.nichd.nih.gov/about/org/dir/Pages/index.aspx.

Primary responsibilities of the Animal Program Director will include serving as a partner in and facilitator of the research enterprise within the DIR. The successful candidate will have demonstrated training and experience in the practice of laboratory animal medicine and research. The Director’s duties will include responsibility for all aspects of the animal care and use program including serving as Attending Veterinarian on the NICHD IACUC, provision of clinical care to rodent and aquatic animal models, oversight of animal facility staffing and operations, training of vivarium staff and investigative personnel, review of proposed animal studies, planning and participation of an extensive animal health surveillance program, contribution to the ongoing evaluation and refinement of the NICHD animal care and use program, and advising the NICHD senior leadership on areas of concern and how to organize the animal program to accomplish the Institute’s research mission. In addition, the Director will represent NICHD on the NIH Animal Program Directors’ Committee and the Animal Research Advisory Committee and provide campus-wide leadership in all aspects of laboratory animal medicine but especially in the use of aquatic species. The successful applicant will have excellent oral and written communication skills and be a team player.

Qualifications: Candidates should have extensive knowledge and experience in management and operation of an AAALAC accredited animal care program comprised of rodents and aquatic animals including skills in personnel management, budget oversight, and facility management. Expertise and experience should include demonstration of positive and collegial interactions with staff at all levels and with scientific staff to promote and facilitate their research and scholarly contributions. Applicants must hold a DVM/VMD from an AVMA-accredited or approved college of veterinary medicine and a current license to practice veterinary medicine in any US state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. Board certification by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) is preferred. Appointees may be US citizens or resident aliens. Applications from women, persons from underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience. A full benefits package is available, including retirement, health insurance, life insurance, long-term care insurance, annual and sick leave, and Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent).

To Apply: Applications will be accepted from March 27, 2023, until the position is filled. Applicants need to submit a resume/curriculum vitae along with a cover letter highlighting key accomplishments and qualifications and names and addresses of three references. Please submit application materials to franciek@mail.nih.gov. If you have questions about this position, please contact Dr. Karl Pfeifer, Senior Investigator, pfeiferk@nih.gov.

This position is subject to a background investigation. The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs. HHS, NIH, and NICHD are equal opportunity employers.