Deputy Director, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health

Deputy Director, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke    

THE POSITION:  The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) of the National Institutes of Health is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Deputy Director to assist in providing leadership to one of the preeminent Institutes for neuroscience research.  The mission of NINDS is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease for all people. The NINDS achieves its mission through (1) supporting and performing basic, translational, and clinical neuroscience research through grants-in-aid, contracts, scientific meetings, and through research in its own laboratories, and clinics; (2) funding and conducting research training and career development programs to increase basic, translational and clinical neuroscience expertise and ensure a vibrant, talented, and diverse workforce; (3) promoting the timely dissemination of scientific discoveries and their implications for neurological health to the public, health professionals, researchers, and policy-makers. To carry out its mission, the NINDS has a staff of 1,504 including 686 employees, 390 contractors, 241 Fellows, and 187 Guests/Volunteers. and an annual budget of $2.783 billion. The Deputy Director is a vital part of the leadership team, serving as the second-in-command for the NINDS.   This position offers a unique and exciting opportunity for a leader to execute and manage the daily operations in support of the NINDS strategic vision and mission.  The Deputy Director works collaboratively across the NIH, throughout the federal government and with other key stakeholders and organizations to further the advancement of the NINDS mission and objectives.  The incumbent serves as an ambassador and spokesperson for the Institute, communicating the NINDS position and incorporating the views/needs of key stakeholders into Institute plans and initiatives.  The Deputy Director facilitates the identification and development of future leaders through mentoring programs, continuous development of skills and expertise, and recognition of achievements. The Deputy Director also serves as a role model to the rest of the Institute, managing people and financial resources with integrity and fairness, while maintaining the Institute’s policies and priorities.  

LOCATION:  Bethesda, Maryland   

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  Applicants must possess an M.D. and/or Ph.D. or an equivalent research doctoral degree in neuroscience or a health-related field from an accredited education institution in a biomedical, behavioral, and social science field that is relevant to neuroscience. A significant amount of experience in scientific programs of sufficient depth, scope, and complexity as to demonstrate a high degree of mature, executive managerial competence and skill negotiating sensitive issues in a scientific environment is required. Broad and substantive knowledge of intramural and/or extramural programs and the respect of the scientific community are also required. Applicants must demonstrate ability to respond to Congressional and Departmental inquiries in a timely fashion, displaying a thorough familiarity with NIH and NINDS programs so that decision making is supported accurately and promptly. This requires keen judgment, and the ability to delegate tasks to staff, efficiently collate that information, and discern the most critical issues.  

SALARY/BENEFITS:  The Deputy Director, NINDS, will be appointed at a salary commensurate with their qualifications and experience.  Full Federal benefits, including leave, health and life insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401K equivalent) will be provided. Relocation expenses may be approved for the selectee.

     Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: 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 National Institutes of Health 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.  

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. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

HHS 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.

HOW TO APPLY:  Applicants must submit a current curriculum vitae, bibliography (if not included in your curriculum vitae), and a photocopy of their doctoral degree.  In addition, applicants are asked to prepare a supplemental narrative statement (no more than four pages) that addresses the required qualifications and interest in the position and include a description of mentoring and outreach activities in which you have been involved, especially those involving women and persons from racial/ethnic or other groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research.  Completed application packages must be submitted to: Mr. William Hennings at SeniorRe@od.Nih.gov, and for questions call 301-402-7227.  All information provided by applicants will remain confidential and will be reviewed only by officials authorized by NIH.

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

  APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 P.M. E.T. ON July 24, 2023.    

DHHS, NIH, AND NINDS ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS