Director Office of Health Equity Research, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases is seeking an exceptional and visionary leader to be the Director of the Office of Health Equity Research (OHER) within the Office of the Director (OD). The mission of NIDDK is to conduct and support medical research and research training and to disseminate science-based information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases, nutritional disorders, and obesity; and kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases, to improve people’s health and quality of life.

 

The Director will be a member of NIDDK’s senior leadership team and will report directly to the Institute Director. The office Director will lead a highly skilled group of program directors, including biomedical scientists and social scientists, health analysts, and support staff.

 

 

 

OHER will consist of three teams. The first team will focus on expanding NIDDK’s HE/HD research portfolio as well as providing coordination and consultation to all scientific Divisions to incorporate health equity into all Institute research activities This team will also be responsible for oversight and coordination of NIDDK’s HIV research portfolio. The second team will build and promote a multi- disciplinary and diverse research community, incorporating existing programs from the Office of Minority Health Research Coordination, NIDDK and developing and deploying new programs and funding opportunities to enhance workforce diversity and skills development. Training programs will be delivered across career stages, from early research experiences to attract diverse candidates to STEM fields, bridge programs to connect undergraduate and graduate education opportunities, as well as support and advanced research training to facilitate transition to independent research careers. A third team will establish a community engagement program that will embed community engagement across the full spectrum of NIDDK’s T0-T4 biomedical research efforts to advance the NIDDK mission. The three complex teams have distinct but complementary expertise, and close coordination of their activities will be essential to their success.

 

LOCATION: Bethesda, MD

 

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS: The position requires an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree. Also required is the extensive knowledge and experience in health equity/disparities research, possess specialized expertise in programs to address disparities in least one of NIDDK’s conditions, and have expert knowledge about the role that adverse social determinants of health (SDOH) play in the health disparities observed across the broad array of NIDDK diseases and conditions. The applicant must also be expert in social science approaches and methods. The applicant must be experienced with community engagement in research, both outreach and partnership development.

 

 

 

The applicant must have experience in managing large research programs and in developing research initiatives. They must also be capable of building and leading a broad, NIDDK-wide research program in HE/HD research that spans the interests of three extramural research Divisions and informs future directions of the intramural program.

 

 

 

The applicant should have excellent communication and organizational skills with the ability to lead and work collaboratively on numerous and unique projects to solve problems and to make informed decisions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALARY/BENEFITS: The incumbent 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, long term care insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401K equivalent) will be provided.

 

 

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, with no 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. The NIH encourages the application and nomination of individuals historically under-represented in leadership positions including qualified women, members of minority populations, and individuals with disabilities.

 

 

 

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT/FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: 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 the NIH Ethics Website. We encourage applicants 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.

 

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, 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.

 

 

 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: NIH provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If applicants require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

 

 

 

HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and bibliography, and up to a three-page letter briefly summarizing their vision for the office and highlighting how their background and experience have prepared them to lead it. In addition, up to three letters of professional reference may be required as the recruitment process progresses. Application packages should be sent via e-mail to Katie Tucker Katie.tucker@nih.gov. For further information about the position, please contact the Search Committee Chair: Chris Koh christopher.koh@nih.gov.

 

 

All information provided by applicants will remain confidential and will be reviewed only by authorized NIDDK officials. The successful candidate will be appointed under the Title 42 (f) authority as a Science Program Leader – Tier 2 at a salary commensurate with their experience. A full package of benefits is also available, including retirement; health and life insurance; annual and sick leave; and a thrift savings plan (401K equivalent).

Review of applications will begin on or about October 13, 2024, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

 

 

 

DHHS, NIH, and NIDDK are Equal Opportunity dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion.