Deputy Director, Division of Extramural Research (DER)

NIH is the center of medical and behavioral research for the Nation

----making essential medical discoveries that improve health and save lives.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Deputy Director, Division of Extramural Research (DER).

NIDA is committed to advancing the science on drug use and addiction and applying that knowledge to improve individual and public health. DER provides scientific management and oversight on the development, implementation, and coordination of NIDA’s extramural initiatives, policies, reviews, and operations planning.

The DER Deputy Director reports to the DER Director and serves as the NIDA Senior Advisor on Clinical Trials Stewardship (CTS). 

As a recognized national leader and expert in the fields of public health, clinical research and clinical trials, addiction science and related health policy, and strategic management, the DER Deputy Director co-leads and coordinates extramural policy and scientific activities for the NIDA Extramural Program. More specifically, the DER Deputy Director advises the DER Director and NIDA senior leadership including the NIDA Director and Deputy Director on the development and implementation of scientific initiatives, programs, and policies. These include a broad range of grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts.  The Deputy Director provides NIDA-wide policy leadership, guidance, and education to NIDA staff on extramural activities and policies.  Additionally, this position assists and serves as alternate supervisor for the DER Director to oversee approximately 65 staff supporting various efforts across the division while directly supervising 3 employees.

As NIDA’s Senior Advisor on CTS, the DER Deputy Director leads the implementation of NIH clinical trials stewardship policies across NIDA’s three extramural divisions, provides Institute-wide coordination of oversight for nearly 1000 NIDA-funded clinical trials totaling over $1B, and provides strategic guidance and recommendations to NIDA’s extramural program staff about clinical trial policies and best practices.  To carry out these responsibilities, the DER Deputy Director collaborates extensively with NIDA’s extramural Division Directors and their program scientists, the NIH OER Division of Human Subjects Research, as well as the NIDA Office of Management, which oversees systems development and implementation to support CTS across the Institute.  The DER Deputy Director also serves as a liaison between NIDA and other NIH Institutes’/Centers’ staff responsible for CTS oversight and implementation.

The successful candidate will possess an M.D., and/or Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in health or allied sciences relevant to the position from an accredited educational institution.  This position requires expertise in all aspects of extramural policy under the purview of DER. The position also requires expertise in the areas of human research protection, data and safety monitoring, clinical trial operations, recruitment monitoring, and good clinical practice/protocol compliance monitoring.  Candidates should have demonstrated effective leadership abilities, excellent communication skills with the ability to serve as a spokesperson for the Institute, and strong program and project management skills for of the planning, executing, and assessing of complex, multifaceted extramural programs and initiatives. Experience is also required in the resolution of operational issues and the ability to manage financial and human resources. A track-record of industry/academic excellence and outstanding scientific contributions to extramural research is expected. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

To learn more about the position, benefits, and application process, please see the full vacancy announcement at NIH OHR Scientific Jobs. Position open until filled. Applications will begin review by the search committee on October 1, 2023.

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