The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Director, Division of Therapeutics and Medical Consequences (DTMC). NIDA's mission is to lead the nation in bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction. This charge has two critical components. The first is the strategic support and conduct of research across a broad range of disciplines. The second is ensuring the rapid and effective dissemination of research results to improve practice and inform policy related to drug abuse and addiction.
DTMC focuses on the development of new therapies for the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) and related medical and psychiatric conditions. To accomplish this mission, the division a) plans and directs studies to identify, evaluate and develop new medications and devices for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review and approval; b) develops and administers a national program of basic and clinical research to develop innovative immunological, pharmacological, and behavioral treatment approaches; c) supports training in the pre-clinical and clinical sciences; d) collaborates with the pharmaceutical industry and other federal entities to facilitate medications development for substance use disorders; e) and works closely with the FDA to assure that the research designed to demonstrate safety and efficacy is evaluated and leads to approval in the most expeditious manner.
Additionally, DTMC conducts research on the medical consequences of drug abuse. To accomplish this mission, the division administers a national and international program on the medical consequences of licit and illicit drug use and co-occurring viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. The program has concentrated on HIV, Hepatitis C, and tuberculosis infections, with a special emphasis on co-infection of HIV and Hepatitis C infection. Other areas of programmatic emphasis are drug-drug interactions between treatment medications for substance use disorders and medications for treatment of infectious diseases in drug abusing populations.
The DTMC Director directs an extramural scientific program of national and international scope within NIDA. This position reports to the NIDA Director and is a "top 5" position. The primary goal of the division is to improve the treatment of substance use disorders through the development of new medications, devices, and behavioral therapies. Improving treatment of infectious diseases in substance abusers is another priority goal of the division. To implement these goals, the Director reviews current programs and develops and implements new initiatives, with a staff of 27 extramural scientists and 3 administrative staff, through a process of meetings with outside advisors, requests for applications and program announcements, contract solicitations and allocation of contract resources for specific projects, collaborations with the pharmaceutical industry, scientific presentations, and publications in the peer-reviewed literature. DTMC has an RMS budget of $125-$150K per year and manages a grants and R&D contract portfolio of over $200M, including one of the NIH Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative’s largest programs.
Required Qualifications
The National Institute on Drug Abuse 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 an M.D., and/or Ph.D. degree, and have knowledge of neuropsychopharmacology and experience in medications development, including the design and execution of multi-site clinical trials. Managerial experience in medications development within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical sectors is highly desirable. The successful candidate must also have demonstrated ability to manage personnel, budgets, and timelines across multiple fiscal years.
Benefits
The successful candidate for this position will be appointed at a salary commensurate with their qualifications. A recruitment or relocation incentive 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.
Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements.
Equal Employment Opportunity
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.
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 and be approved by the NIH Ethics Office.
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.
Reasonable Accommodation
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 at NIDA_DTMC_Director_Search@nih.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, including a brief description of experience, CV, bibliography, and a list of five individuals (with contact information) who can serve as references to: Maryann Postorino, Office of Human Resources, National Institutes of Health at NIDA_DTMC_Director_Search@nih.gov
The NIH and the NIDA are committed to building a diverse workforce and promoting an inclusive environment – so please include in your CV, a description of mentoring and outreach activities in which you have been involved, especially those involving women and persons from racial/ethnic or other underrepresented groups. Applications will be accepted beginning on July 8, 2022. The closing date is September 7, 2022.