National Institutes of Health

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Director, Division of Behavioral and Social Research (DBSR). The Division supports behavioral and social research and research training on the processes of aging at both the individual and societal level. In addition, DBSR fosters cross-disciplinary research at multiple levels, from genetics to cross-national comparative research, and at stages from basic through translational. Specific areas of interest include but are not limited to the following: Behavioral Medicine Interventions; Behavioral Genetics of Aging; Cognitive Aging; Demography and Epidemiology; Health Economics of Aging; Family and Interpersonal Relationships; Psychological Development and Integrative Science; Population Genetics of Aging; and Influence of Health Systems on Health Outcomes. The Director is responsible for planning, directing and evaluating extramural and collaborative research and training in the two DBSR branches, Individual Behavioral Processes and Population and Social Processes. Information about current foci of the program can be found at https://www.nia.nih.gov/about/offices/division-behavioral-and-social-research-dbsr

The Director of DBSR is responsible for collaborating with other NIA Divisions, NIH Institutes and Centers and other Federal agencies in the coordination and support of relevant scientific activities. This includes working with the NIA’s Office of Communications and Public Liaison in developing material for distribution to Congress, scientists and the public. In addition, the Director will maintain liaisons with leading medical and scientific directors, private organizations, and professional societies and with leading researchers and clinicians in research on behavioral and social science. The Director will also be responsible for liaising with various industry groups as a participant, panelist and/or spokesperson as may be required periodically. The ideal candidate should be adept with speaking publicly, to the news media (print and broadcast) and to various groups of influencers about the activities of the NIA, the current state of the science, research investments and projects, and the role of the NIA in helping to shape them.

Applicants must possess a Ph.D.and/or M.D., or equivalent degree in the behavioral, economic, or social sciences with broad senior-level experience in one or more of the following: cognition; psychology; sociology and health economics; science of demography; bio-demography of aging; transdisciplinary fields of study, including neuro-economics, social neuroscience; behavior change; behavioral genetics; mechanisms linking social environmental factors to biological and clinical aspects of advancing age. They should be known and respected within their profession, both nationally and internationally, as distinguished individuals of outstanding scientific competence and should demonstrate through their experience that they have provided oversight for the quality, scientific productivity and management of a research program in the behavioral and social sciences. In addition, they should possess administrative management experience and have experience communicating with diverse audiences.

Application Process: Application packages are to include a CV with bibliography and a statement addressing the qualifications and interest in the position. Application packages can be submitted via email at NIAJobs@mail.nih.gov or by mail to the National Institute on Aging, 9000 Rockville Pike, Building 31/Suite 2C02, Attention: Cheryl Caponiti. All application materials must be received by September 30, 2015. Salary is commensurate with experience and a full package of Civil Service benefits is available. All information provided by applicants will remain confidential and will not be released outside the NIA search process without a signed release from candidates. For further information, please contact Cheryl Caponiti at caponitc@mail.nih.gov or by phone at 301-451-8387.

The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

HHS AND NIH ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS