Nimh Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Deadline: December 19, 2024

The National Institutes of Health (NIH ), the world’s premier biomedical research institution, is seeking applications from exceptional candidates for the exciting position of Director, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH ). The mission of NIMH is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure. The NIMH provides national leadership dedicated to understanding, treating, and preventing mental illnesses through basic research on the brain and behavior, and through clinical, epidemiological, and health services research. The Institute: (1) Provides leadership for a national program to increase knowledge and advance effective strategies to promote mental health and the prevention and treatment of mental illness; (2) conducts and supports research and research training on the biological, psychological, behavioral, developmental, epidemiological, and social science aspects of mental health and illness and also conducts and supports research regarding treatment and prevention for mental illnesses; (3) collects, analyzes, and disseminates scientific information on the incidence, prevalence, and resources for the treatment of mental illness; and, (4) carries out administrative and financial management, policy development, planning and evaluation, and public information functions that are required to implement such programs.

The Director, NIMH, primarily provides overall executive direction and scientific leadership for NIMH and serves as a principal advisor to the NIH Director concerning matters related to mental illness. The incumbent keeps the NIH Director abreast of NIMH developments, accomplishments, and needs as they relate to the overall mission of NIH and the broader biomedical ecosystem. The Director, NIMH, provides visionary leadership and direction by defining the goals, priorities, policies, and program objectives. In exercising their responsibilities for program planning, implementation, and evaluation, the incumbent works with and seeks the advice of a wide range of groups within the scientific community and with various other federal agencies, national and international agencies, private foundations, and professional and lay organizations with common interests.

The Director, NIMH, oversees the $2.3 billion research organization and its staff totaling approximately 1600 FTEs, trainees, and contractors. In doing so, the incumbent is responsible for managing a high-level complex organization and serves as the chief visionary for the organization. The incumbent actively engages others to create a shared vision of the purpose and direction of the organization and works collaboratively within the organization, across NIH, and with external entities to accomplish NIMH goals. The incumbent must demonstrate a keen awareness of the workings of other federal and non-federal agencies and of the public sector, successfully navigating these environments to promote and reach NIMH and NIH objectives.

The NIH seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to lead a dynamic and diverse organization. The scientific implications of the research programs require extensive experience and knowledge of federal research grants. Applicants must possess an M.D. and/or Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree, in a mental health-relevant discipline. In addition, the incumbent must have experience and demonstrated ability to administer and manage a major national research program as well as broad familiarity and working knowledge of mental illness research. The incumbent must possess in-depth knowledge and personal research experience in one or more of NIMH's research areas. Applicants should be known and respected within their profession, both nationally and internationally, and as individuals of outstanding scientific competence.

Because of the high public visibility involved in the resources for which NIMH is responsible, a scientist with experience and skill as a communicator in matters involving biomedical research in general is desired. The Director, NIMH, is required to be a respected, accomplished senior-level researcher with maturity, integrity, and outstanding communication and interpersonal skills and experienced in giving presentations to scientific and non-scientific audiences. In addition, they must possess political savvy to interact with various audiences and the ability to handle conflicts and diffuse difficult situations.

The Director, NIMH, must be a team player and an innovative and strategic thinker. They must have the skills to liaison and collaborate with representatives of other NIH Institutes and Centers, federal and non-federal agencies, international research organizations, professional societies, foundations, the media, and patient and other advocacy groups; to establish research collaborations with not-for-profit organizations and industry partners; and to maintain a productive work environment that meets workplace diversity, staff professional development, and monitoring objectives.

This position requires the selectee to be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.