Director, Division of Extramural Operations

The NHGRI is the driving force for advancing genomics research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest biomedical research agency in the world. As the leading authority in the field of genomics, NHGRI’s mission is to accelerate scientific and medical breakthroughs that improve human health by driving cutting-edge genomics research, developing new genomic technologies and studying the impact of genomics on society. NHGRI recognizes that the promise of genomics cannot be fully achieved without successfully attracting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce, both internal to NHGRI and in the broader external research community. The division director will play a central role in shaping these developments as a key member of the NHGRI Extramural Research Program senior leadership team, reporting directly to the NHGRI Director.

The division director is responsible for the following: (1) providing leadership and advice to the NHGRI director, on implementing and coordinating extramural research grant and contract operations and policies; (2) providing a full range of activities that empower the extramural program divisions in implementing and coordinating cross-cutting, multi-disciplinary activities in NHGRI’s mission areas, including promoting diversity, equity and inclusion; (3) representing NHGRI on NIH extramural and collaborative program policy committees and coordinating such policies within the institute; (4) having primary responsibility and oversight of the management of all activities relating to the National Advisory Council for Human Genome Research (e.g., by serving as the Council’s Executive Secretary); (5) developing and providing training to extramural staff and enhancing communication among that staff regarding standardized approaches policies, methods and procedures; (6) managing NHGRI extramural services and activities, such as Scientific Review and Evaluation Awards, Data Access Committees, appeals of initial review, allegations of scientific integrity, application referrals, and publication of funding opportunity announcements; (7) coordinating NHGRI extramural funding plan meetings; (8) providing oversight and direction for the initial scientific merit review of extramural research, resource, small business and training applications and proposals assigned to the Institute; (9) providing oversight and direction for extramural grants management activities, ensuring that all awards are made in accordance with applicable statutes, regulations and policies; (10) providing relevant data, reports and analyses to assist NHGRI staff and advisory groups in carrying out their responsibilities; and (11) maintaining effective relationships with other NIH institutes and divisions, the research community, other federal agencies and professional societies to ensure that NHGRI Division of Extramural Operations is effective in carrying out its many responsibilities.

The NHGRI seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and the energy, enthusiasm and innovative thinking necessary to lead a dynamic and diverse organization. Applicants must possess a Ph.D. and/or M.D., have senior-level research experience and be an authoritative source on extramural scientific programs; management of extramural research funding; management of the business and non-programmatic areas of grants administration; coordination and oversight of business-related activities associated with the negotiation, award and administration of grants and cooperative agreements; and planning and execution of initial scientific and technical reviews conducted within NHGRI. 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.

A diverse pool of applicants is sought, so qualified individuals from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

The division director will be appointed at a salary commensurate with their qualifications and experience. A recruitment or relocation bonus may be available, and relocation expenses may be paid. Full Federal benefits, including leave, health and life insurance, long-term care insurance, retirement and savings plan (401K equivalent) will be provided. The successful candidate is subject to a background investigation and public financial disclosure report prior to the effective date of the appointment.

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. The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities and individuals with disabilities.

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 on 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.

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.

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.

Your position may be eligible for workplace flexibilities, which may include telework and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the HHS Workplace Flexibilities policy.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• A current Curriculum Vitae, including list of publications.
• A copy of an advanced degree.
• Full contact information for three references.
• A vision statement for the position of Director, DEO, NHGRI (not to exceed two pages).
• A statement that addresses the specific qualification requirements (not to exceed two pages).
• A statement indicating how you have promoted equity, diversity and inclusion, and describing your mentoring and outreach activities, especially those involving women and persons from racial/ethnic or other groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research (not to exceed two pages).
   

Applications can be sent to Anita Whitehurst (anita.whitehurst@nih.gov). Applications will be accepted beginning on February 15, 2023. The closing date is March 15, 2023.

You may contact Anita Whitehurst with questions and for more information about this vacancy at anita.whitehurst@nih.gov.

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

DHHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women and minorities.