Director

Director

Office of Biodefense Research and Surety

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

National Institutes of Health

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is seeking an exceptional and visionary leader to serve as director, Office of Biodefense Research and Surety (OBRS) reporting to the Deputy Director for Science Management, NIAID.

OBRS serves as the NIAID focal point for coordinating, planning, and implementing the biodefense research supported by NIAID. OBRS disseminates information on the Institute's biodefense research programs, policies, and funding opportunities and coordinates biodefense and biodefense-related research issues across NIH. A key responsibility of OBRS is oversight of the Chemical Countermeasures Research Program (CCRP), which consists of an annual discovery research and early development budget of approximately $52M and includes the participation of eight NIH institutes and centers. OBRS oversees the NIAID Emergency Preparedness planning and Continuity of Operations planning offices. In addition, OBRS participates in the governance of the high-containment taskforce and serves as the NIAID liaison with the NIH Office of the Director, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other Federal departments and agencies regarding intelligence gathering and analysis which may impact NIH programs and operations.

The OBRS director provides overall executive direction and scientific leadership to this complex operation. The director oversees and coordinates both branches of the OBRS: the Biodefense Research Countermeasures Branch and the Surety and Preparedness Coordination Branch. Additionally, the director serves as principal advisor to the Director, NIAID and Deputy Director for Science Management on matters related to biosafety, biocontainment, and surety. The director represents NIAID/NIH on interagency and interdepartmental committees, working groups, and professional meetings, as well as international forums and symposia dealing with biodefense, emerging infections, biosecurity, and biocontainment. The director participates in the governance of the NIH High Containment Taskforce and provides support to the NIH Biodefense Research Coordination Committee, a central resource for trans-NIH communication and planning of biodefense activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

U.S. citizenship is required. Applicants must possess an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree in the biological or medical sciences; expert knowledge of biodefense fields (e.g., chemical, biological, and/or infectious diseases; public health and preventive medicine; international health and global health security; radiological and nuclear medical countermeasures); and demonstrated experience working independently in planning and organizing biomedical research and/or biosafety, biocontainment, and biosurety programs in fields consistent with NIAID’s mission. Applicants must also demonstrate successful experience in research program management in these fields, which must include managing policies and procedures associated with biodefense, biosafety, biocontainment, and surety. Experience working in a complex electronic environment with an understanding of project management, databases, and repositories is also required.

The successful candidate will possess the leadership, management, interpersonal, and communication skills required to interact effectively with staff, representatives of academia, private industry, national and international research and health organizations, and other varied sectors.

The selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a top secret security clearance. Positions requiring top secret clearance are required to be drug tested.

TO APPLY

Provide your curriculum vitae (CV), bibliography, and a two- to three-page statement describing your vision for leading OBRS, including promoting a diverse workforce; reasons for your interest in the position; and specific scientific and leadership skills and experience you would bring to NIAID. Up to three professional letters of reference may be required as the recruitment process progresses. Submit your application by email to mailto: NIAID-OD-OBRSDir-Apply@mail.nih.gov. Applications will be accepted until June 28, 2023.

For more information or questions about the position, email to: NIAID-OD-OBRSDir-Apply@mail.nih.gov.

All information provided by applicants will remain confidential and be reviewed only by authorized officials associated with the recruitment. The successful candidate will be appointed under the Title 42 (f) authority as a Science Program Leader – Tier 2 at a salary commensurate with experience. A full package of benefits is also available, including retirement, health and life insurance, annual and sick leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).

Visit NIAID Careers for more information about working in NIAID’s dynamic atmosphere.

HHS, NIH, and NIAID are equal opportunity employers dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.