Associate Director for Research – N!AAA, NIH, HHS

The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center; Maryland; On-site; USD 220,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) at NIH seeks an accomplished senior leader to serve as Associate Director for Research (ADR). This executive role drives the Institute's scientific vision and oversees research investments across extramural and intramural programs in Montgomery County, Maryland.

The ADR reports to the Director, guiding scientific strategy, portfolio stewardship, and organizational performance to address alcohol use disorder and related health

Qualifications

• MD and/or PhD (or equivalent degree) in biomedical science or related field.
• Experience leading a large, complex research organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proven track record setting, implementing, and evaluating program objectives and priorities, including financial and human resources.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement NIAAA's long-range scientific vision and priorities.
• Oversee Institute-wide portfolio analysis, evaluation, and funding strategy development.
• Foster multidisciplinary collaboration and cross-institutional partnerships to advance research impact.
• Represent NIAAA on NIH and national committees and advance alcohol research and public health objectives.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Portfolio management

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

People management

Education

MD and/or PhD (or equivalent degree)

Job description

Associate Director for Research
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Location: Montgomery County, Maryland

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is seeking an accomplished and visionary scientific leader to serve as Associate Director for Research (ADR).

The ADR serves as NIAAA’s senior scientific executive, providing enterprise-wide leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of the Institute’s research enterprise. Reporting directly to the NIAAA Director, the ADR is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and principal advisor on scientific strategy, research investments, portfolio stewardship, and organizational performance for one of the Nation’s leading biomedical research portfolios addressing alcohol use disorder (AUD) and alcohol-associated health outcomes.

Position Overview:

The ADR leads the development and execution of NIAAA’s long-range scientific vision, ensuring research investments anticipate emerging scientific opportunities, address evolving public health challenges, and maximize the impact of Federal resources.

The incumbent leads strategic planning across NIAAA’s four extramural scientific divisions and Intramural Research Program and provides executive oversight of the Office of Extramural Affairs and the Epidemiology and Biometry Branch. The ADR integrates scientific priorities, operational excellence, and organizational effectiveness while fostering innovation, scientific excellence, organizational agility, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Through strategic leadership and coordination of complex scientific initiatives, the ADR helps ensure that research advances improve prevention, treatment, and health outcomes for individuals and communities affected by alcohol-related conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

The ADR establishes the Institute’s long-range research strategy and advises the NIAAA Director on emerging scientific opportunities, research policy, strategic investments, and organizational priorities. The incumbent anticipates scientific trends and develops innovative, high-impact initiatives to advance the understanding, prevention and treatment of alcohol-related disorders.

The ADR directs Institute-wide portfolio analysis and evaluation to promote scientific excellence, balance, and public health impact. Responsibilities include identifying research gaps and opportunities, recommending strategic investments, and leading development of funding strategies and targeted research initiatives aligned with NIAAA priorities.

Working across NIAAA’s scientific divisions, the ADR promotes multidisciplinary collaboration and strengthens integration across the Institute’s research portfolio. The ADR also builds productive partnerships among NIH Institutes and Centers, Federal agencies, academic institutions, healthcare systems, professional societies, and other research partners to advance shared priorities and accelerate scientific progress.

The ADR represents NIAAA on trans-NIH, Federal, and national scientific committees, workgroups, and collaborative initiatives, providing leadership on alcohol research and associated public health challenges.

Qualifications:

NIAAA seeks candidates with a strong commitment to scientific excellence and the leadership, energy, and innovative thinking necessary to succeed in a dynamic, complex research organization.

Applicants must possess an M.D. and/or Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in biomedical science or a directly related scientific field, along with leadership and management experience in a large, complex research organization, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will be highly respected within their profession and recognized for outstanding scientific competence. Candidates should have demonstrated experience setting, implementing, and evaluating program objectives and priorities, including management of financial and human resources.

Appointment, Salary, and Benefits:

This position will be filled through a Title 42(f) excepted service appointment. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and consistent with NIH salary guidelines. Full Federal benefits will be provided, including retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and a savings plan (401(k) equivalent). A recruitment or relocation incentive may be available, and relocation expenses may be paid.

Applications may be submitted by U.S. citizens, Legal Permanent Residents, and non-citizens who are eligible for valid work authorization at [e-mail].

HHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers.