SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR

DIVISION OF TRANSLATIONAL TOXICOLOGY

Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Job Summary

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Scientific Director of the Division of Translation Toxicology (DTT), formerly the Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), to provide creative scientific vision and innovative leadership.

The NIEHS is a premier research institute where intramural investigators study a wide range of important biologic questions related to effects of the environment on human health. This leadership position with the DTT offers a unique and exciting opportunity to develop and implement strategies that support the NIEHS Strategic Vision. The Scientific Director will be responsible for recruiting and providing leadership for the research faculty; creating and maintaining a research environment that encourages creativity and collaboration among different disciplines; nurturing an inclusive and diverse environment for trainees at all levels; providing effective administrative management; and being an active and valued member of the overall NIEHS senior leadership team.

The DTT https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/dtt/index.cfm conducts innovative toxicology research that aligns with real-world public health needs to translate scientific evidence into knowledge that can inform individual and public decision making. The DTT research portfolio is organized and executed using a strategic framework based on three objectives: 1) accelerate the progress toward becoming a more predictive, precise, and preventive science through the deliberate application of a translational toxicology pipeline of capabilities; 2) provide an evidence-based approach to identifying and understanding potential environmental contributors to contemporary and common diseases; 3) improve the ability to conduct and communicate substance-based hazard evaluations that are more translational, innovative, and responsive. The DTT has four strategic programmatic areas of focus: Exposure-based Research, Health Effects Innovation, Responsive Research, and Strengthening Capabilities. There are specific research programs within each focus area. All research programs use a team-based operating model. DTT scientists identify key environmental health research gaps, develop plans, and execute on those plans using a portfolio of internal and external laboratory and non-laboratory-based resources. 

The DTT scientists use a variety of traditional and cutting-edge approaches to better understand how factors in our environment impact our health. They work in multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with scientists in other federal agencies, institutes/centers at the NIH, industry, and academia.  The mission is to improve public health through data and knowledge development that are translatable, predictive, and timely. This is accomplished by achieving the goals to 1) collaborate with public stakeholders and global partners to identify and address public health issues; 2) generate and communicate trusted scientific information to support decision making on environmental hazards of public interest; 3) lead the transformation of toxicology through the development and application of innovative tools and strategies; and 4) educate and train the next generation of translational scientists to be innovative leaders in the field.

The Scientific Director of the DTT is responsible for an annual budget exceeding $114 million and oversees a diverse staff of approximately 390 individuals. The DTT is comprised of five branches and five offices in the Office of the Acting Scientific Director.  In addition to providing scientific and administrative leadership for this research enterprise, the Scientific Director is expected to be an internationally recognized and highly accomplished researcher in toxicology or a related field.  The individual will be eligible to have an active research group as part of the intramural research program.

Administrative duties of the Scientific Director include managing resources with budget formulation/execution, workforce development and operations, contracts, equipment, laboratory and office space management, organizational and individual review processes as well as establishing Division-level policy and procedures. In addition, the Scientific Director supports a culture of laboratory safety, IT security, record-keeping and technology transfer practices, and ensuring written Standard Operating Practices (SOPs) are available and communicated.

The DTT Scientific Director serves as the DTT representative to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Steering Committee to help advance the mission and vision of the NTP. The NTP leads the nation in conducting toxicology testing and research aimed at the prevention of environmental causes of and contributions to human disease; development of novel tools and approaches to better predict how environmental exposures affect human health; and improve our understanding of how environmental agents interact with human biological systems.  The DTT Scientific Director also serves on the Senior Leadership Committee (SLC) of the NIEHS.  The SLC provides senior level guidance and recommendations to the NIEHS Director in support of a wide range of institute activities.

The Scientific Director is expected to participate in and contribute to meetings and conferences with top level agency interdepartmental officials, industry representatives, senior scientific/professional and subject matter specialists, and members of the scientific and academic communities to discuss translational toxicology research and NTP programs.

This position is an onsite position located at the NIEHS in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. This position is not eligible for remote work. Work schedule flexibilities, including telework, may be available.

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must have a doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent) in biomedical sciences and have an exceptional record of previous research accomplishments in the field of toxicology or a related field. Candidates will ideally have a demonstrated ability to lead and manage large and diverse research-based programs and possess a defined vision for toxicology in the 21^st century.  It is expected that applicants will be an internationally recognized subject matter expert with a strong track record in mentoring trainees/junior faculties, be committed to diversity, and foster an open, transparent approach to overseeing research.

Salary/Benefits:

Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate.  A full package of Federal Civil Service benefits is available, including retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent).   A recruitment and/or relocation incentive may be available and relocation expenses may be paid. Resources will be available to support the Scientific Director’s own research program.

How to Apply:

Review of applications will begin on March 27, 2023. Interested candidates should submit materials via email to Intramural Applications at int-appls@niehs.nih.gov. All emails should include vacancy number AC1553 in the subject line. 

Applicants should send:

• Cover Letter: Please include a description of relevant research and administrative leadership experience.
• Curriculum Vitae with Bibliography: Please include a description of mentoring and outreach activities, especially those involving women and persons from racial/ethnic or other groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research.
• Vision Statement for leading the DTT (not to exceed 2 pages): Applicant should outline their scientific vision or ideas for potential development of the DTT program, as well as scientific plans for their own research.
• Statement Addressing Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Statement (not to exceed 1 page): Please include any examples of initiatives you have undertaken that illustrate your commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Review of applications will begin on March 27, 2023 and the search will be closed once the position is filled. 

Incomplete or paper applications will not be evaluated.   For further information about the position, please contact both Dr. Joni Rutter at joni.rutter@nih.gov and Intramural Applications at int-appls@niehs.nih.gov.

Commitment to Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity: The NIH NIEHS encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. The United States Government prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.

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 https://ethics.od.nih.gov/. 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.

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 United States. 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 https://www.naces.org/. 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. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis

The NIH is the premier biomedical research center for the world. Its 27 institutes and centers employ more than 18,000 employees doing a vast array of jobs, all supporting efforts for a healthy nation. For information about the NIH mission, goals and institutes and centers, visit https://www.nih.gov/about-nih.

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

DHHS AND NIH ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must have a doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent) in biomedical sciences and have an exceptional record of previous research accomplishments in the field of toxicology or a related field. Candidates will ideally have a demonstrated ability to lead and manage large and diverse research-based programs and possess a defined vision for toxicology in the 21^st century.  It is expected that applicants will be an internationally recognized subject matter expert with a strong track record in mentoring trainees/junior faculties, be committed to diversity, and foster an open, transparent approach to overseeing research.

About National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/NIH

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, is one of 27 research institutes and centers that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH) , U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) . The mission of the NIEHS is to discover how the environment affects people in order to promote healthier lives.The NIEHS traces its roots to 1966, when the U.S. Surgeon General announced the establishment of the Division of Environmental Health Sciences within the NIH. In 1969, the division was elevated to full NIH institute status. Since then, the NIEHS has evolved to its present status as a world leader in environmental health sciences, with an impressive record of important scientific accomplishments and a proud history of institutional achievements and growth.Today the NIEHS is expanding and accelerating its contributions to scientific knowledge of human health and the environment, and to the health and well-being of people everywhere.

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