Director, Division of Extramural Activities

National Institutes of Health; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Institutes of Health seeks an accomplished Director, Division of Extramural Activities (DEA) to lead its extramural research training and infrastructure development programs, valued at about $29 million annually, and to guide a staff of 20 health scientist administrators, health specialists, and grants management personnel.

The Director, DEA, will advise on developing and coordinating extramural policies, serve as a senior advisor to the IC Director and Institute officials, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D., D.D.S./D.M.D., M.D., or equivalent degree in a biomedical or related field.
• Excellent knowledge of advanced principles applicable to dental, medical and scientific areas.
• Experience in setting, planning, implementing, and analyzing program objectives including financial and human resources.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development and publication of Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) and Highlighted Topics (HTs).
• Liaise with NIH CSR regarding grant review and referrals.
• Oversee grants, training grants, fellowships, and contracts and manage extramural programs.

Education

Ph.D., D.D.S./D.M.D., M.D., or equivalent degree

Job description

Job Posting : Director, Division of Extramural Activities

The Director, Division of Extramural Activities, reports to the Director, NIDCR, and oversees and manages an extramural research training and infrastructure development program portfolio of approximately $29 million as well as a staff of 20 health scientist administrators, health specialists, and grants management staff. The Director, DEA, provides advice on developing, implementing, and coordinating the Institute's extramural programs and policies. The Director, DEA, serves as a senior advisor to the IC Director and other Institute officials on issues related to policies and procedures for extramural affairs and represents the Institute on extramural program and policy issues within the NIH, the Department and with outside organizations.

Duties

The Director, DEA, oversees the development and publication of Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) and Highlighted Topics (HTs). This division also facilitates the National Advisory Dental and Craniofacial Research Council ( NADCRC ), Board of Scientific Councilors (BSC), Office of the NIDCR Clinical Director, and Office of the NIDCR Scientific Director meetings. Additionally, DEA is the liaison between NIDCR and the NIH Center for Scientific Review ( CSR ) for matters related to referral of grant applications and NIH peer review.

The Director, DEA, oversees program projects, research grants in response to RFAs, training grants, cooperative agreements, and R&D contracts; oversees and coordinates the Institute's programs for extramural fellowships, training grants, career development awards, dental school curriculum development grants, NIH loan repayment awards and supplements; and ensures effective and proper grants management and other transaction activities.

The Director, DEA, manages and monitors all business aspects of the Institute's grants, provides information and guidelines for grant applications, and oversees the closed session of the National Advisory Dental and Craniofacial Research Council. In addition, the Director, DEA, undertakes program evaluation and planning activities in conjunction with the Institute’s programmatic Division and the Office of Science Planning and Analysis. NIDCR awards approx. 864 grants, fellowships and contracts annually.

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

The NIDCR seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to lead a dynamic and productive organization. Applicants must possess a Ph.D., D.D.S./D.M.D., M.D., or equivalent degree, in a biomedical or a directly related scientific field as well as excellent knowledge of the advanced principles, theories and practices applicable to dental, medical and scientific areas to manage the breadth of research described.

It is critical that the Director, DEA, is well versed in the various aspects of dental, oral, and craniofacial diseases, the developmental patterns and the underlying complexity of the structures in which they develop, and the application of that knowledge to improve dental, oral and craniofacial health.

Applicants must have demonstrated experience in setting, planning, implementing, and analyzing program objectives and priorities including management of financial and human resources. This position will be filled under a Title 42(f) excepted service appointment.

SALARY/BENEFITS: The Director, DEA, will be appointed at a salary commensurate with their qualifications and experience. A recruitment or relocation bonus may be available, and relocation expenses may be paid. Full Federal benefits, including leave, health and life insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401K equivalent) will be provided.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants .

The National Institutes of Health inspires public confidence in our science by maintaining high ethical principles. NIH employees are subject to Federal government-wide regulations and statutes as well as agency-specific regulations described at NIH Ethics Website . We encourage you to review this information. The position is subject to a background investigation and requires the incumbent to complete a public financial disclosure report prior to the effective date of the appointment.

Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is equivalent to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. We will only accept the completed foreign education evaluation. For more information on Foreign Education verification, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. Verification must be received prior to the effective date of the appointment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

If selected, you may be subject to a two-year trial period under this appointment.

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable Accommodation: You can request reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

NIDCR, NIH AND DHHS ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Last Updated: October 26, 2026

Open

10/26/2026–11/04/2026

Pay

Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Job Category

Executive

Institute or Center

NIDCR (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research)