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 Neuroscience and Behavior (DNB). NIDA's mission is to lead the nation in bringing the power of science to bear on drug misuse 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 misuse and addiction. DNB’s mission is to discover, facilitate, and promote outstanding basic animal and human research on both behavioral and brain aspects of drug use and addiction, to identify the causes and consequences of drug use disorders and addiction across the lifespan, and to provide the scientific foundation for treatment and prevention strategies of drug addiction.
The incumbent of this position serves as the Director of the Division of Neuroscience and Behavior (DNB), which is one of the six Divisions/Centers comprising NIDA’s organizational structure. The DNB Director is one of the top five senior leadership positions that directly reports to and advises the NIDA Director. The incumbent provides scientific executive leadership, direction, and vision for NIDA’s basic neuroscience and behavioral extramural research program of national and international scope focused on (1) the neurobiological mechanisms of substance use and addiction and (2) the effects of illicit drugs on brain function through integrated research programs in genetics, systems neuroscience, behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, chemistry, neuropharmacology, and HIV/AIDS-related neuroimmunology. To carry out these responsibilities, the DNB Director identifies emerging as well as underrepresented basic science research priorities; expands the scope and breath of the basic science portfolio; provides scientific merit review of a broad range of research grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts for the Institute; develops an interdisciplinary scientific portfolio by collaborating with other Divisions and experts across NIDA, NIH Institutes/Centers (ICs), government, and private organizations; and promotes NIDA’s basic neuroscience and behavioral research agenda by representing the Institute at national and international conferences.
The DNB Director provides managerial leadership and direction of four research branches, Genetics, Epigenetics, & Developmental Neuroscience Branch (GEDN), Integrative Neuroscience Branch (INB), Chemistry & Pharmacology Branch (CP), and Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience Branch (BCN) with cross-cutting themes spanning across all branches including Data Science, HIV/AIDS, and Sex Differences. The Division Director has line authority of the Division Deputy Director, branch chiefs (4), program officers (3), and administrative support staff (1), provides administrative oversight of other program officials (15), analytical (3) and support staff (2), and oversees the Division’s annual budget totaling $325M. In addition to managing the Division's programs, initiatives, staff, and resource allocations, the Director actively participates in and represents NIDA on several internal and external activities including the NIDA Advisory Committee, NIH Helping to End Addiction Long-term ® (HEAL) Initiative, federal committees, workgroups, internal review groups, and editorial boards (e.g., Office of Research on Women’s Health, NIH Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies ® (BRAIN) Initiative, NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, and Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research). As a recognized national leader and expert in the field of basic neuroscience and behavioral research, the Division Director must maintain scientific expertise over a wide spectrum of basic science related to drug use and addiction.
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. or equivalent degree in a discipline relevant to neuroscience, substance use disorders, or other relevant health sciences. The successful candidate must have highly developed management skills, exceptional communication skills, and strong multi-dimensional leadership skills and experience administering a large and diverse major research program to advance cutting-edge science in the areas of basic neuroscience and behavioral research having national and international collaborations, scope, and impact. The successful candidate must also be a nationally recognized expert in the neuroscience of drug misuse and addiction, providing leadership across interdisciplinary and broad research programs in basic science. These programs span the basic neurosciences, from genetics to behavioral and cognitive research. The incumbent’s ability to work across ICs and with different scientific agencies is an essential component of their work as a scientific executive. Additionally, the successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This position will be filled under a Title 42 (f) excepted service appointment.
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, 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. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants.
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 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.
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 NIDADNBSearch@nida.nih.gov . The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a current curriculum vitae, cover letter of interest including a brief description of experience, and full contact details for three references to: Maryann Postorino, Office of Human Resources, National Institutes of Health. We recommend including a narrative that addresses recruiting, mentoring, training and/or outreach activities, especially those involving women and persons from racial/ethnic or other groups that are underrepresented. No photographs are allowed in the documents and must be removed prior to applying. Applications will be accepted beginning September 5, 2024. Position is open until filled. Applications will begin review by the search committee on November 4, 2024.
Applications will be accepted from U.S. citizens and non-citizens as allowed by appropriations and statute. Applications from women, persons from underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.
If selected, you will be subject to a two-year trial period under this appointment.
Please direct any inquiries about the position or about the application process to David Shurtleff, Ph.D.
This position is also posted on the NIH Jobs Site