Senior Investigator

National-Institutes-of-Health; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Division of Translational Toxicology at NIEHS seeks a Senior Investigator to serve as Deputy Scientific Director, reporting to the Scientific Director, and overseeing research program development, staff recruitment, and trainee engagement.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and timely delivery of translational research products, with responsibility for policies, priorities, and efficient use of resources within DTT.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) with tenure-level record.
• Strong leadership, management, and communication skills.
• Experience assessing excellence across diverse toxicology disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Strategic planning and management.
• Coordinate activities of and respond to the advice of the DTT Board of Scientific Counselors (BSC).
• Oversee DTT trainee program.
• Develop and recommend on research policies, priorities, and procedures within DTT including contracted capabilities and utilization.
• Identify and implement organizational efficiencies to enhance research capacity and timely delivery of research products.
• Manage staff supporting research, training, and BSC activities.

Skills

Leadership

Management

Oral and written communication

Education

Doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent)

Job description

The Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT) at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is seeking an enterprising Senior Investigator to serve as the Deputy Scientific Director of intramural research. Reporting directly to the Scientific Director, the Deputy Scientific Director will have responsibility for aspects of research program development and execution, staff recruitment and evaluation, and trainee engagement in DTT.

Duties

In collaboration with the Scientific Director, the Deputy Scientific Director will be responsible for cultivating and supporting a team-oriented research environment that encourages creativity, collaboration among scientists from different disciplines and organizations, responsive team-based research, and timely delivery of translational research products.
Specific responsibilities include:

• Strategic planning and management
• Coordination of the activities of and responding to the advice of the DTT Board of Scientific Counselors (BSC)
• Oversight of DTT trainee program
• Development of and recommendation on research policies, priorities, and procedures within DTT including contracted capabilities and utilization
• Identification and implementation of organizational efficiencies to enhance research capacity and elevate timely delivery of research products
• Managing staff supporting research, training, and BSC activities
  As appropriate, resources will be made available to the successful candidate to conduct an independent research program that supports the overall mission of NIEHS and the DTT.

Who Can Apply

The public

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent), and a record of scientific accomplishment consistent with tenure at the NIH, including leadership of an independent research program. The position requires strong team-oriented leadership, management, and oral and written communication skills, with knowledge of the broad range of scientific disciplines relevant to environmental health sciences research. Knowledge is highly desired in scientific administration in a research setting, effective management strategies, and the ability to assess scientific excellence in the fields of toxicology carried out by DTT investigators.

A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits .

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of 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 .

Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure

If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency.

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Learn more about Foreign Education .

Reasonable Accommodation

You can request a 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.

Appointment
The position will be filled under 42 U.S.C.§ 209(f) using the NIH Senior Investigator Intramural Professional Designation. Deputy Scientific Director is the organization title associated with the leadership responsibilities of the position.
The selected candidate will be expected to meet NIH requirements for appointment as a Senior Investigator and will be subject to applicable NIH peer, tenure, and pay review requirements.

Eligibility
The appointee may be a U.S. citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, or non-U.S. citizen who is eligible for valid work authorization.
This position is subject to a background investigation.

Last Updated: October 29, 2026

Open

10/29/2026–11/30/2026

• Open

  10/29/2026–11/30/2026

Pay

Commensurate with qualifications and experience

• Pay

  Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Job Category

Scientific/Medical

• Job Category

  Scientific/Medical

Institute or Center

NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences)

• Institute or Center

  NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences)