The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the largest institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), conducts and supports a global program of research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. The Vaccine Research Program (VRP) in the Division of AIDS (DAIDS) within NIAID seeks an exceptional and visionary leader to serve as Director of VRP.

DAIDS was formed in 1986 to develop and implement the national research agenda to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Toward that end, the division supports a global research portfolio to advance biological knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its related co-infections and co-morbidities. With the ultimate goal of ending the HIV epidemic, the division develops and supports the infrastructure and biomedical research needed to 1) reduce HIV incidence through the development of effective biomedical prevention strategies, including vaccines that are safe and desirable; 2) develop novel approaches for the treatment and cure of HIV infection; 3) develop interventions to treat and/or prevent co-infections and co-morbidities of greatest significance; 4) engage scientific and community stakeholders to equitably implement effective interventions; 5) implement strategies to foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility activities, to include growing a diverse, talented, and trained workforce; and 6) foster new extramural partnerships to address topics of significant mutual interest.

Within DAIDS, the Director of VRP oversees more than 40 employees and a portfolio (over $364 million) of preclinical and clinical research grants, contracts, and clinical trials and oversees the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. The director is responsible for planning, implementing, and directing a global research program of grants and contracts for the preclinical development and clinical testing of candidate vaccines and other agents for the prevention of HIV infection in adult and pediatric populations. In addition, the director collaborates with the other NIH clinical trial networks to evaluate vaccines for diseases relevant to people living with HIV.

The director is also responsible for formulating an overall scientific agenda for HIV vaccine research, recommending resource allocation among competing initiatives, and assessing and reorienting program activities and priorities to be responsive to changing research needs or redefined policies. In addition, the director maintains ongoing relationships with relevant individuals and groups to further the HIV/AIDS vaccine-related mission of NIAID and serves as the lead liaison with several critical external partnerships that have been designed to increase the global harmonization and coordination of HIV vaccine research among all internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required

• A doctoral degree (M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent)

• Demonstrated strong understanding of vaccine development and clinical evaluation of vaccines

• Experience in 1) working both independently and collaboratively in planning, organizing, and conducting HIV vaccine research; 2) serving effectively in research program administration; and 3) communicating and collaborating effectively

o Experience may be gained through senior-level research experience as a principal investigator or active involvement in initiating research projects, developing protocols, conducting clinical studies, documenting findings, interpreting results in a published report (journal), supervising staff, and managing budgets.

Competitive candidates will be widely respected by their peers for their scientific, managerial, or executive accomplishments and expertise.

To Apply

Interested candidates should send the following by email to NIAID-DAIDS-VRPDir-Apply@mail.nih.gov:

• Curriculum vitae

• Bibliography

• A three-page statement describing 1) your vision for HIV vaccine research, 2) the reason for your interest in the position, and 3) the specific leadership skills and experience you would bring to the position, including your vision for promoting a diverse workforce.

As the recruitment process progresses, up to three professional reference letters may be required.

Applications will be accepted until October 27, 2023.

For more information or questions about the position, email NIAID-DAIDS-VRPDir-Apply@mail.nih.gov.

All information provided by applicants will remain confidential and be reviewed only by authorized NIAID officials. The successful candidate will be appointed under the Title 42 (f) authority as a Science Program Leader – Tier 2 at a salary commensurate with their experience but not exceeding $248,000 per annum. A complete federal civil service package of benefits (including retirement plans; health and life insurance plans; annual and sick leave; and Thrift Savings Plans [401K equivalent]) is also available.

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.