Director, Division of Extramural Research

Job Posting : Director, Division of Extramural Research
The Director, Division of Extramural Research, reports to the Director, NIDCR. The Director, DER, oversees and manages an extramural research program portfolio of approximately $412 million and a staff of 29 health scientist administrators and other science professionals. The Division of Extramural Research (DER) is responsible for implementing and coordinating the Institute's extramural research portfolio, overseeing the strategic planning, development, management, and evaluation of research and research training programs supported through grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts. The division helps establish scientific and programmatic priorities, recommends funding strategies, and ensures the effective stewardship of resources to advance the Institute's mission. Working collaboratively across the NIH, with academic institutions, professional and public health organizations, federal partners, and the broader biomedical research community, the DER identifies emerging scientific opportunities, fosters innovative research initiatives and collaborative partnerships, and promotes a strong extramural research and training enterprise.

Duties
The Division Director for Extramural Research leads the DER, which is responsible for the following: (1) Plans, develops and manages research supported by grants, cooperative agreements and contracts in developmental biology and mammalian genetics, epithelial cell regulation and transformation, pharmacogenetics, bone and tooth physiology and injury, and molecular and cellular neuroscience, oral microbiology and microbial pathogenesis, immunology and immunotherapy and AIDS and oral manifestations of immunosuppression; (2) oversees plans for support of research to ensure maximum utilization of available resources in the attainment of the Institute's objectives; (3) determines program priorities and recommends funding strategies for achieving portfolio and program goals; (4) collaborates with intramural and extramural staff at NIDCR and NIH and maintains awareness of national trends and research directions in areas relevant to NIDCR's mission; (5) provides advice on extramural research and science in general to the Institute Director, staff and advisory groups by preparing reports and analyses to facilitate implementation; (6) acts as an interface between the research community and the Federal government; (7) establishes and maintains effective relationships with the extramural research community and with dental and biomedical research institutions, with behavioral, public health and voluntary health professional organizations and with other agencies involved in research and research training activities in order to promote programmatic goals and new research initiatives; (8) explores opportunities for research and new sources of research funding; (9) actively fosters cooperative efforts involving scientific collaboration with U.S. and foreign investigators and funding arrangements involving cooperative efforts by public and private sector agencies and organizations; (10) fosters the development of training environments and opportunities in the extramural community and (11) provides data, reports and analyses to assist NIDCR staff and advisory groups in carrying out their responsibilities.

Required Qualifications
The NIDCR seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to lead a dynamic and productive organization. Applicants must possess a Ph.D., D.D.S./D.M.D., M.D., or equivalent degree, in a biomedical or a directly related scientific field as well as excellent knowledge of the advanced principles, theories and practices applicable to dental, medical and scientific areas to manage the breadth of research described. It is critical that the Director, DER, is well versed in the various aspects of dental, oral, and craniofacial diseases, the developmental patterns and the underlying complexity of the structures in which they develop, and the application of that knowledge to improve dental, oral and craniofacial health.

Applicants must have demonstrated experience in setting, planning, implementing, and analyzing program objectives and priorities including management of financial and human resources. This position will be filled under a Title 42(f) excepted service appointment.

The Director, DER, 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, retirement, and savings plan (401K equivalent) will be provided.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment based on 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
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 NIH Ethics Website . We encourage you 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.

Applicants who have completed part or all of 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.

If selected, you may be subject to a two-year trial period under this appointment.

Reasonable Accommodation
You can request 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.

Applications will be accepted from U.S. citizens and non-citizens as allowed by appropriations and statute.

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 4, 2026

NIDCR, NIH AND DHHS ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Last Updated:

October 26, 2026

Open
10/26/2026–11/04/2026

Pay
Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Job Category
Executive

Institute or Center
NIDCR (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research)

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