Deadline: September 22, 2024

The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), seeks to identify an outstanding Director for its Therapeutic Development Branch within the NCATS Division of Preclinical Innovation, located in Rockville, Maryland. The Division of Preclinical Innovation (DPI) encompasses all aspects of translational science from target validation to first-in-human clinical studies. DPI has both technology development components and collaborative resource access programs, covering small molecule and RNAi screening technologies and informatics, and catalyzes translational efforts in biology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME), and project management. The Therapeutic Development Branch (TDB) includes the Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases (TRND) and Bridging Interventional Development Gaps (BrIDGs) programs.

This position serves as a Senior Scientist directing the Therapeutic Development Branch (TDB) that is located within the Division of Preclinical Innovation (DPI). This position is responsible for planning and directing a broad and comprehensive program in preclinical and late-stage drug development, including lead optimization, drug metabolism, toxicology, pharmacology, formulation development, process chemistry, natural history studies, investigational new drug (IND) and biologics license application (BLA) enabling work, cell and gene therapy development, and biomarker development. Further, this position serves as the spokesperson for the Branch at conferences and various stakeholder meetings, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and international regulatory agencies, and will also catalyze collaborations between his/her Branch and the other branches and programs within DPI and NCATS.

Qualifications: Applicants must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's (or graduate) degree in a biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to this position, from an accredited college or university or have a combination of experience and education which includes courses comparable to a major in a biological science, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to this position and have appropriate experience or additional education which demonstrates similarly appropriate skills or abilities needed to perform the duties of this position.

Applicants must have demonstrated experience in leading a cohort of scientists from diverse scientific backgrounds (e.g., synthetic chemists, biochemists, cell biologists, toxicologists, bioinformaticians, and pharmacologists) to conduct a preclinical development program focused on rare genetic disorders and neglected tropical diseases all the way through Investigational New Drug (IND) filing and first-in-human testing; research experience in multi-disciplinary environments working on highly complex problems related to preclinical development of various therapeutic modalities, including, but not limited to, small molecules, antisense oligonucleotides, biologics, and cell and gene therapies.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of the evolving fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and medicinal chemistry, and experience with GMP scale-up, large molecules, cell and gene therapy approaches, and regulatory affairs. You must have demonstrated experience in directing and managing a large and scientifically diverse research program that involves collaborating with scientists across government, academia, industry, and patient advocacy groups to accomplish scientific objectives. You should be both nationally and internationally recognized and a highly accomplished researcher in all aspects of preclinical translation, with particular interest and accomplishment in novel technology and paradigm development.

Salary and Benefits: The salary range is commensurate with experience and accomplishments. A full federal government benefit package (including retirement, health, life and long-term care insurance, Thrift Savings Plan participation, etc.) is available. The National Institutes of Health inspires public confidence in our science by maintaining high ethical principles.

How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in the position including a career synopsis (1-3 pages); a statement of research interests in collaborative research (1-2 pages); a statement of experience and commitment to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and accessibility at the workplace (1 page), a current curriculum vitae and complete bibliography; and the names and contact information of five references to NCATSRecruitAC1579@mail.nih.gov. Application packages will only be accepted electronically through the email listed above and must be received between the dates of 8/23/2024 – 9/22/2024.

All information provided by candidates will remain confidential and will not be released outside the NCATS search process without a signed release from candidates. The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. DHHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers.

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Intramural Research Program (IRP) jobs

Senior Scientist and Director, Therapeutic Development Branch, NCATS