Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of HealthDirector National Institute on Minority Health and Health DisparitiesPOSITION INFORMATION: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the premier biomedical research center in the world.
Its 27 institutes and centers employ more than 18,000 staff across various roles, all supporting efforts to improve the health of the nation.The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), a major research component of NIH and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), seeks an outstanding Director to lead the Institute, located in Bethesda, Maryland.
NIMHD currently manages an annual budget of approximately $535 million and supports research aimed at improving disease-specific outcomes, and translating research into actionable, measurable interventions for populations disproportionately affected by disease and premature mortality.The Director of NIMHD serves as the Institute's chief executive and principal scientific leader.
In this role, the Director is responsible for setting the strategic vision, guiding research priorities, and implementing programs that produce tangible health improvements.
The Director advises the NIH Director, the DHHS, and other federal stakeholders on evidence-based strategies to enhance national health outcomes.
The role also represents NIMHD at the national and international levels, communicates scientific priorities, and ensures that the Institute's research results in measurable improvements in healthcare delivery and disease outcomes.The Institute prioritizes translating research findings into actionable policies and community-based programs that produce measurable results, ensuring that evidence-based health interventions are effectively disseminated and adapted to meet the needs of various populations.
Collectively, these efforts reflect the NIMHD mission to lead innovative research, foster collaboration, and implement evidence-based solutions that improve health outcomes for all Americans, in alignment with national priorities.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Director provides visionary leadership to advance the NIMHD mission.
This includes fostering collaboration across NIH institutes, federal agencies, academic institutions, and community organizations to coordinate research programs and maximize the impact of federal health research initiatives.
The Director ensures that NIMHD research translates into practical, solution-oriented strategies and interventions that improve disease-specific outcomes.
Emphasis is placed on developing programs that produce measurable results.The Director oversees organizational performance, sets strategic priorities, and establishes clear expectations to achieve measurable improvements in disease prevention, treatment, and healthcare delivery.
This role also entails promoting high-performing and mission-driven workforce training and career development programs, optimizing financial and human resources, and aligning NIMHD initiatives with federal health objectives and national priorities.
Through these responsibilities, the Director ensures that NIMHD remains a national authority in advancing practical solutions to improve population health and expand healthcare access.LOCATION: Bethesda, MarylandREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: The NIH seeks candidates for the Director of NIMHD who demonstrate scientific excellence, energy, and innovative thinking necessary to lead a dynamic, mission-driven organization.
Applicants must hold a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in the health sciences, biomedical, behavioral, or related fields, with senior-level scientific experience and familiarity with research programs in areas relevant to minority health, health disparities, and population health sciences.Candidates should be nationally and internationally recognized as individuals of scientific prominence, with a distinguished record of research accomplishments and leadership in improving health outcomes and expanding healthcare access.
Applicants must demonstrate expertise in policy development related to health research, strategic leadership, and the ability to navigate complex public-sector environments.
Candidates should have experience fostering collaborations across agencies, academic institutions, and communities, as well as developing strategic priorities, setting clear expectations, and optimizing organizational performance.
Strong management acumen is required, including overseeing financial and human resources, making strategic decisions to achieve results, and mentoring a high-performing staff.This position requires U.S.
citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain at least a secret security clearance.
The position is designated as a Testing Designated Position, requiring random urine testing for illegal drugs or substances.BENEFITS: The Director, NIMHD, will be appointed to a salary commensurate with the selectee's qualifications and experience and 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.Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements ( OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, and without discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.STANDARDS OF CONDUCT/FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: NIH 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 on the NIH Ethics Program website ( We encourage you to review this information.
The position is subject to a background investigation and requires the selectee to complete a public financial disclosure report prior to the effective date of the appointment.FOREIGN EDUCATION: Applicants who have completed part or all 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, research 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.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.HOW TO APPLY: You are required to note the position you are applying for in the subject line of your application package email.
If this is not annotated, your application will not be considered.Applicants must submit a 1) current curriculum vitae, 2) bibliography (if not included in your curriculum vitae), 3) a supplemental narrative statement (no more than four pages) that addresses their vision for the Institute, their qualifications and interest in the position, and include a description of mentoring and outreach activities in which they have been involved, 4) a photocopy of their doctoral degree, and 5) acknowledgement of U.S.
Citizenship on their CV or within the body of their application package email.Email your complete application package to Ms.
Brenda Fogel at by the closing date noted below.
Questions may also be directed to Ms.
Fogel by calling . Applicants are encouraged to browse the NIMHD home page: All information provided by applicants will remain confidential and will be reviewed only by officials authorized by NIH.DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTH DATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) ON APPLICATION MATERIALS.APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 P.M.
ET ON NOVEMBER 26, 2025DHHS, NIH, AND NIMHD ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS HHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers