Director of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research

Director, National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

National Institutes of Health

Department of Health and Human Services

          OPENING DATE:   November 1, 2019                                

          CLOSING DATE:   January 3, 2020

THE POSITION:  The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), seeks to identify an exceptional and visionary leader to serve as the Institute’s Director of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR).

The NCMRR is a major source at NIH of research and training to promote the health, productivity, independence, and quality of life for people with disabilities.  The NCMRR focuses on such areas of research as:  improving movement, promoting recovery, adapting to a disability, and understanding body-injury responses; health promotion and prevention of injury and disability; technology development to improve the diagnosis, treatment and everyday functioning of people with disabilities; developing assistive devices and bioengineering technologies to promote function and participation; evaluating rehabilitation effectiveness; and training researchers and medical professionals in rehabilitation methods and techniques.

This is a senior leadership position within the NICHD, involving the management of scientific, policy and administrative matters of the Center. The incumbent serves as the Director’s principal advisor on extramural scientific and policy issues in the field of medical rehabilitation research, oversees the activities of NCMRR’s research programs and manages scientific peer review, award, and post-award activities related to research, development, and training grants and contracts in medical rehabilitation research.  He/she serves as the principal coordinator for rehabilitation activities across the NIH and is responsible for fulfilling legislative requirements, including the coordination of the Research Plan on Rehabilitation and a regular scientific conference. The incumbent is also responsible for federal coordination with other agencies and Departments regarding rehabilitation and disability. The incumbent guides and directs NCMRR staff on matters relevant to the conduct its extramural research and training activities; manages resource allocations including staff, physical, and financial resources; maintains staff through recruitment and training efforts; and ensures effective program operations.  He/she serves as an authoritative source of scientific expertise, provides scientific and policy leadership, develops and articulates research priorities, keeps abreast of the latest scientific advances and identifies opportunities not yet explored.  The incumbent coordinates the work of the staff to facilitate sharing of ideas and to enhance communication and collaboration.  He/she collaborates with senior staff, coordinating program planning activities and participating in final decisions affecting scientific priorities and funding levels.  The incumbent serves as a staff expert and consultant to senior level NIH and NICHD officials and staff on issues related to medical rehabilitation research.  NCMRR’s extramural research programs involve over 225 research projects, a budget in excess of $79 million, and a staff of 9 individuals.  In addition, there will be opportunity for the NCMRR Director to dedicate a portion of his/her effort to perform clinical work or research within the NIH intramural program.

QUALIFICATIONS:  The successful candidate must possess an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree, and have demonstrated scientific leadership and/or senior-level research experience in a program of national and international standing in medical rehabilitation research or related fields.  We are seeking candidates who have a compelling vision for the future of the field, proven experience in managing and directing a scientific research program, and well-honed administrative and interpersonal skills.  This experience may be gained via senior level research experiences as a principal investigator of a grant or contract; or, may be otherwise gained through active involvement in initiating research projects, developing protocols, conducting studies, documenting findings, interpreting results in a published report or journal, supervising staff, and managing a

budget.  Preference will be given to those known and respected within their profession, both nationally and internationally, as distinguished individuals of outstanding scientific competence and those who possess a record of achievement as a senior scientific administrator/executive leader.

SALARY/BENEFITS:  Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with the experience of the candidate.  A full package of Federal Civil Service benefits is available, including: retirement, health and life insurance, long term care insurance, leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent).  The successful candidate is subject to a background investigation and financial disclosure requirements.

HOW TO APPLY:  Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, including a brief description of research and administrative experience; curriculum vitae and bibliography; and full contact information for five references.  Application packages should be sent via e-mail to Mr. Michael Rosenthal at: rosentm@mail.nih.gov .  Questions should be directed to Mr. Rosenthal on 301-443-7414. Applications must be received by January 3, 2020.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: NIH provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT/FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: All employees of the Federal Government are subject to the conflict of interest statutes and regulations, including the Standards of Ethical Conduct, that govern activities with outside organizations and reporting financial holdings. This position will require that the incumbent complete a financial disclosure report. Applicants are encouraged to review the NIH Ethics Program web site at: http://ethics.od.nih.gov.

The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.  Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, with no discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.

HHS and NIH and NICHD are Equal Opportunity Employers