Director, Division of Neuroscience (DN)

American Society for Experimental Neurotherapeutics; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil service benefits

Relocation assistance

Job summary

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute on Aging (NIA) seeks a Director for the Division of Neuroscience in Rockville, MD. This senior federal leadership role directs research strategy, oversees five branches, and guides extramural and collaborative programs spanning aging, neurodegeneration, and translational neuroscience.

As a spokesperson for NIA's neuroscience agenda, the Director fosters cross‑agency collaborations, engages Congress and the public, and ensures scientific

Qualifications

• M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree in biomedical sciences and broad senior-level neuroscience/aging experience.
• Proven leadership of large research programs and oversight of scientific productivity.
• Strong national and international reputation and ability to communicate with Congress and public.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and evaluate extramural and collaborative neuroscience research and training.
• Coordinate with NIH components and external partners to advance Alzheimer's disease research.
• Represent the division to stakeholders and serve as a spokesperson on science investments.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic planning

Collaborative leadership

Education

MD

PhD

Equivalent degree

Job description

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute on Aging (NIA), a major research component of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Director, Division of Neuroscience (DN).

The Director is responsible for planning, directing, and evaluating extramural and collaborative research and training in the five DN branches: Neurobiology of Aging and Neurodegeneration, Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience, Clinical Interventions and Diagnostics, Population Studies and Genetics, and Translation Research. NIA is the lead NIH Institute in Alzheimer's disease research, and the Division of Neuroscience supports research on Alzheimer’s disease from basic neuroscience to translational research and clinical trials of new therapeutic interventions.

The Director of DN collaborates with other NIA Divisions, NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices, and other Federal agencies to coordinate and support relevant scientific activities. This includes working with components of the NIH and NIA Offices of the Director to develop material for distribution to Congress, scientists, and the public. The Director also maintains liaisons with private and public organizations and professional societies representing researchers and clinicians in brain aging research, and serves as a spokesperson to public audiences about the activities of NIA, the current state of the science, and research investments and projects.

The Director of the Division of Neuroscience, Title 42, 0601, Scientific Executive, is a full‑time federal position located in Rockville, Maryland. Appointees may be a US citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, or non‑US citizen who is eligible for a valid work authorization. This position is subject to background investigation.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. A full civil service package of benefits may be available, and relocation expenses will be offered based on eligibility.

DHHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers.

Applicants must possess an M.D., Ph.D., and/or equivalent degree in biomedical sciences, with broad senior‑level experience in neuroscience and aging. Candidates should be known and respected within their profession, both nationally and internationally, as distinguished individuals of outstanding scientific competence. Applicants should demonstrate through their experience that they have provided oversight for the quality, scientific productivity, and management of a research program in brain aging.

Application period: July 10, 2026 – August 21, 2026.