Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Office of Biodefense, Research Resources and Translational Research

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the largest institutes in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), conducts and supports basic and applied research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. The Biodefense Vaccine and Other Biological Products Development Section (“Vaccine Section”) of the Office of Biodefense, Research Resources and Translational Research (OBRRTR), Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (DMID), NIAID, seeks to recruit a Program Officer/Health Scientist Administrator.

The mission of the Vaccine Section is to promote the development of vaccines against biodefense pathogens and emerging infectious diseases with a specific focus on pathogens of pandemic potential. Program officers in the Vaccine Section promote the advancement of vaccines through Phase 1/2 through contracts with product sponsors and gap-filling preclinical services, facilitating transitions to advanced product development stakeholders.

The Vaccine Section collaborates extensively with OBRRTR, DMID, other NIH institutes, other U.S. government agencies, and non-government organizations (e.g., the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations). Program Officers have frequent opportunities to participate in or lead U.S. government interagency and other working groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• A background in infectious diseases, immunology, vaccinology, and/or host-pathogen interactions is required.

• Strong preference will be given to applicants who have experience with the development, optimization, and validation of quantitative immunoassays used to test clinical and nonclinical samples as study endpoints.

• Previous industry experience with vaccine development for infectious diseases is strongly preferred, including experience with any of the following: non-clinical studies, manufacturing, chemistry manufacturing and controls (CMC), immunoassay development, assay validation, manufacturing in-process assays, drug substance and drug product release assays, good laboratory practice (GLP) toxicology studies, Phase 1 or Phase 2 clinical trials, and investigational new drug (IND) submissions to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Visit the vacancy announcements below to view the required qualifications.

For additional information about the position, applicants may contact Dr. Larry Wolfraim at larry.wolfraim@nih.gov. In your application, please indicate your interest in the NIAID/DMID/Vaccine Section.

To Apply

Visit USAJobs.gov to access the Health Scientist Administrator (Program Officer) vacancy announcements NIH-GR-DE-24-11242197 (U.S. citizens) and/or NIH-GR-MP-24-11242199 (status candidates) beginning January 17, 2024. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on January 26, 2024.

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

Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit NIH Jobs for helpful guidance on how to best describe applicants’ experience, whether coming from intramural, academia, industry, etc., to qualify at each federal grade level from GS-12 through GS-14.

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