The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska is seeking applications for a Director, Prophylactics amp; Therapeutics (D-P amp;T). This position reports to the Associate Executive Director for CWMD Allied Programs (AED-CAP). The D-P amp;T will lead and execute research projects and contribute technical capability areas aligned with the strategic direction set by the AED-CAP and MCM Research Director, supporting planning and overseeing research efforts intended to develop therapeutics and pre-exposure prophylactics to counter Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) threat sequelae for the Department of War (DoW) and other federal customers. The Director will be responsible for monitoring project execution and coordinating and leading the development and sustainment of the Medical Countermeasures Therapeutics Program, including: identifying research opportunities, securing funding, proposal writing and submission, organizing research teams, contributing to and supporting applicable working groups, and managing assigned projects (including monitoring research progress, expenditure rates, and reviewing and approving all contract deliverables). This job will require an understanding of military medicine, regulatory requirements for new drug development and drug repurposing, strong leadership skills, and program and project management skills. Responsibilities are performed in a high-visibility, fast-paced environment to ensure accomplishment of NSRI’s overall mission
NSRI is a non-profit IRS 501c(3) supporting organization of the University of Nebraska, established in 2012 to operate one of only 15 DoW University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) in the nation. NSRI is engaged in a long-term, strategic partnership with our DoW sponsor, United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). NSRI provides essential research, development and support to USSTRATCOM, other DoW components and federal agencies focused on established research core competencies, including Nuclear Detection and Forensics, Detection of Chemical and Biological Weapons, Active and Passive Defense against Weapons of Mass Destruction, Consequence Management, and Mission-Related Research. NSRI receives funding from project sponsors through contracts generated from our sole-source, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract with USSTRATCOM, as well as other direct contract vehicles and grants.
Website: https://nsri.nebraska.edu
Applicants should note:
This is a full-time 1.0 FTE position based out of NSRI Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Limited remote work may be permitted on an occasional basis at the supervisor’s discretion, in accordance with NSRI policy. Periodic travel may be required to NSRI’s offices in Lincoln, Nebraska, other University of Nebraska System Campuses, NSRI Field Offices in Maryland, Virginia, and Florida, and other locations where business and/or training is conducted.
Compensation: This is a managerial/professional position considered salaried/exempt. Salary will be commensurate with Experience and Contributing Attributes, with a minimum of $150,000/year
Benefits: NSRI employees receive University of Nebraska-like benefits, per underlying service agreements, to include paid vacation and sick leave; insurance options; and a 403b retirement program. NSRI also currently observes twelve (12) paid holidays each year. Applicants accepting a job offer must pass a background check and a drug test prior to starting in the position.
Job Responsibilities: Responsibilities listed below are not an exclusive statement of duties amp; responsibilities. Employees may be required to perform other job-related activities as requested.
D-P amp;T key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, accomplishing the following activities:
- Provide input to and execute research aligned with the strategy set by AED-CAP and the Research Director for medical countermeasure research.
- Identify and leverage key drug discovery and development or drug repurposing resources (facilities and personnel) across the University of Nebraska campuses.
- Lead assigned projects as Project Manager and/or Principal Investigator, with responsibility for scope, schedule, cost, and performance.
- Contribute technical input to proposal development and opportunity identification within assigned capability areas.
- Create and maintain effective working relationships with University of Nebraska faculty and staff and external collaborators to form strong research teams with the requisite skills to meet customer requirements.
- Create and maintain working relationships with the DoW and other federal agencies with CWMD medical countermeasure needs and requirements to identify research opportunities.
- Coordinate with the AED-CAP to ensure programs and projects are adequately resourced.
- Propose and coordinate work in support of the DoW Combatant Commands, and other DoW and federal agencies to develop research strategies and plans to fully address customer requirements.
- Conduct program/project management through analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Review products and reports to ensure they meet customer needs and standards.
- Collaborate with other NSRI Directors to identify synergies between CWMD programs.
- Determine workforce requirements and coordinate staffing needs for assigned projects, providing input to leadership on resource needs.
- Lead and supervise assigned staff.
- Develop budgets and schedules as required to support assigned project and program requirements.
- Prepare presentations for internal management and external customers to provide reviews and updates on technical aspects, cost, and schedules of current projects.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Professional degree in a medical field or advanced degree (MS) in a biomedical discipline.
- Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threat training and/or operational experience. Typically requires approximately 10-15+ years of relevant experience in technical research, drug development, or program/project leadership roles of increasing scope and responsibility.
- Experience working in drug discovery and development and drug repurposing.
- Experience with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug approval processes.
- Experience leading, managing, and working with teams.
- Ability to write technical documents and communicate complex subjects to non-technical audiences.
- Willingness to travel as required to execute position responsibilities.
- U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
Preferred Experience:
- PhD in a biomedical discipline.
- Experience working in military medicine in both garrison and operational environments.
- Experience as a program/project manager executing contractually defined projects, managing budgets, leading project personnel, and meeting customer requirements.
- Chemical, biological, radiological, and/or explosive threat medical countermeasure research.
- Military or governmental leadership in CBRNE/CWMD or directly related mission areas.
- Experience working with defense contractors and federal government contracts.
Security Clearance:
NSRI is a DoW-designated UARC that conducts sensitive, sometimes classified research for the DoW and other federal government entities. This position requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. All cleared employees are subject to certain reporting requirements and random drug testing.
Ideal candidates will exhibit the following attributes and personality traits:
- A skilled technical expert in all aspects of drug discovery and development and drug repurposing.
- A self-starter that demonstrates attention to detail.
- Be collaborative and team-oriented with the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment to seek input from others when necessary.
- Strong communication skills to effectively interact with senior leaders, peers, employees, and external partners.
- Understanding of corporate-level business, operations, and organization.
- Advanced organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple and complex tasks and work effectively in a fast-paced environment, with short deadlines and interruptions.
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential interactions with sponsors and partners.
- Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills necessary to independently recommend appropriate actions and solutions.
How to Apply:
Application review begins May 26th, 2026 and continues until position is filled.
Applications processed through the on-line job posting at Careers (nebraska.edu).
Follow instructions to complete the Applicant Profile and supplemental questions. Along with your application, attach a cover letter, resume, and the names, relationship to you and contact information for at least three professional references.
Direct questions to: (304) 754-6894 or nwoollen@nsri.nebraskaresearch.gov
