Description

Vacancy Announcement
Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
 

DIRECTOR, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES

THE POSITION:  The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the world’s premier biomedical research institution, is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).  NIAID, one of the largest of 27 Institutes and Centers (ICs) at NIH, is a $6.5 billion research organization that conducts and supports basic, applied and translational research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious and immune-mediated illnesses while continuing in its unique dual mandate role to respond rapidly to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.  NIAID conducts and supports research in laboratories and clinics in the United States and abroad.  Intramural sites include the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland; the Integrated Research Facility in Frederick, Maryland; the Twinbrook Facility in Rockville, Maryland; and the Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana.  International study is conducted and supported in over 100 countries and regions to include:  East Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Caribbean.  To support its mission, NIAID has a workforce of approximately 5300 staff, including 2025 FTEs; 2500 contractors; 750 Fellows, Special Volunteers, and Guest Researchers; and 25 Commissioned Corps Officers.   

This position offers a unique and exciting opportunity for an exceptional leader to serve as the chief executive for NIAID who will provide visionary leadership, executive management, and strategic direction in developing improved ways to combat the global HIV/AIDS pandemic through the development of prevention strategies, including an HIV/AIDS vaccine and improved therapeutics; developing drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics to treat and prevent emerging infectious diseases such as pandemic influenza, SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, Zika, Hepatitis B, and antimicrobial resistant bacteria; increasing understanding of the development and function of the immune system, the mechanisms of protective immunity, and the causes and mechanisms that lead to the development of immunologic diseases; and developing medical countermeasures to combat agents that potentially could be used in biological chemical, radiological, and nuclear attacks.  The Director will identify and manage financial and human resource needs, with executive accountability for making complex and strategic decisions to optimize resource usage and mitigate risks to achieve desired results.  This position reports directly to the Director, National Institutes of Health and serves as the key advisor to the Director and chief liaison with other components of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Executive branch, Congress, professional societies, voluntary health organizations, and other public health groups.

More information regarding the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) may be found at: https://www.niaid.nih.gov/.

LOCATION:  Bethesda, MD (NIH Main Campus)
 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  The NIH seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to lead a dynamic organization.  Applicants must possess an M.D. and/or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the areas of immunology, microbiology, immune-mediated or infectious diseases, and/or other related disciplines.  A nationally/internationally recognized scientist is desired. Candidates must exhibit a broad scientific vision, demonstrating skill in managing a broad and complex biomedical research program, and the ability to lead and inspire a staff with expertise in diverse scientific disciplines to accomplish the overall mission and strategic goals.  Candidates must have the ability to serve as an authority on the development, implementation, management, and analysis of complex annual operating and program budgets with multiple funding categories.  A scientist with experience and skill as a communicator in matters involving biomedical research in general is required; in addition, must possess political savvy to present to various audiences and ability to meet, deal, and negotiate and handle conflicts to resolve and diffuse difficult situations.  Candidates must have demonstrated experience in setting, planning, implementing, and analyzing program objectives and priorities and have the demonstrated ability to manage financial and human resources and coordinate a research portfolio involving extensive internal and external collaborations.   Key attributes include: an innovative and strategic thinker, team player, and skilled communicator with strong interpersonal skills who can liaison and collaborate, as well as represent the NIH at the highest levels within the government, including Congress, and with nationally and internationally recognized scientific leaders and officials of academia, industry, and the private sector, as well as the press, and professional and advocacy groups.  

This position requires the selectee to be a U.S. citizen and to obtain and maintain, at a minimum, a secret security clearance. This position is a Testing Designated Position, which requires the incumbent to submit to random urine testing for illegal drugs or substances.

SALARY/BENEFITS:  The Director, NIAID, will be appointed at a salary commensurate with the selectee’s qualifications and experience and NIH salary guidelines. Full Federal benefits will be provided, including retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and a savings plan (401(k) equivalent). A recruitment 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, and without 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:  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 on the NIH Ethics Program website. We encourage you to review this information. The position is subject to a background investigation and requires the selectee 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 educational institutions in the U.S. 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. 

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.

HOW TO APPLY:  

You are required to note the position you are applying for in the subject line of your application package email.  If this is not annotated, your application will not be considered.

Applicants must submit a 1) current curriculum vitae, 2) bibliography (if not included in your curriculum vitae), 3) a supplemental narrative statement (no more than four pages) that addresses their vision for the Institute, their qualifications and interest in the position, and include a description of mentoring and outreach activities in which they have been involved, 4) a photocopy of their doctoral degree, and 5) acknowledgement of U.S. Citizenship on their CV or within the body of their application package email.  

Email your complete application package to Ms. Brenda Fogel at SeniorRe2@mail.nih.gov

by the closing date noted below. Questions may also be directed to Ms. Fogel by calling 301-451-7338.  Applicants are encouraged to browse the NIAID home page:  https://www.niaid.nih.gov/

All information provided by applicants will remain confidential and will be reviewed only by officials authorized by NIH.

DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTH DATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) ON APPLICATION MATERIALS.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 P.M. ET ON NOVEMBER 26, 2025

DHHS, NIH, AND NIAID ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS