Director, Division of Lung Diseases

The Director, Division of Lung Diseases (DLD), reports to the NHLBI Director.   The DLD Director will have a profound impact upon the nation’s investment in research, service and support of the broader lung, critical care, and sleep research communities, and will have the opportunity to advocate for areas of critical national and international importance, implement programs congruent with the NHLBI’s strategic plan, and to improve the health of the public.  The NHLBI seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and the innovative thinking and leadership skill necessary to lead a dynamic organization.  Key opportunities and needs include change management, program priority assessment, integration of basic and clinical science, policy implementation, building teams, and interaction with scientific colleagues in a wide variety of settings. 

As a senior NHLBI leader and key member of the Institute’s leadership team, the Director will collaborate across the Institute and NIH on aligned programs, help shape the future of research into the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lung, critical care, and sleep disease and disorders, and leading internationally renowned programs.  The Director will foster advances across disease areas and support design, implementation, and oversight of major cohort studies, clinical trials, and research on genetic, behavioral, social, health system, and environmental factors to improve prevention, treatment, clinical care, and public health.

The DLD Director provides scientific vision, strategic leadership, and management for the Division and advises the NHLBI Director on issues and strategic direction for heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders research as a member of the NHLBI executive leadership team, the Strategic Investment and Management Steering Committee (SIMSC).  The Director may also coordinate activities across NIH and among other Federal agencies.  The Director will provide scientific leadership in managing a portfolio budget of approximately $908 million. 

DLD has a staff of approximately 43 employees across four branches and the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research.  The Director will recruit scientists and scientific administrators, develop and nurture a strong workforce, and build depth in a variety of scientific disciplines and in lung disease-specific programs and branches.

Information about NHLBI can be found at .

LOCATION: Bethesda, Maryland

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Specific skills, education and experiences candidates must possess include:

• Applicants must possess an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent in a field relevant to the Division’s portfolio.  The Director should have a comprehensive understanding of the procedures and policies related to the review, award and management of grants, cooperative agreements, and research contracts, as well as the ability to serve as an authority on the development, implementation, management, and analysis of DLD’s annual operating and program budget.   The Director should demonstrate skill in managing a complex biomedical research program and training programs. The successful candidate must demonstrate extraordinary leadership, management, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, and stakeholder engagement ability as applied to scientific research.  The ideal candidate leader has demonstrated experience in setting, planning, implementing, and analyzing program objectives and priorities and should have the demonstrated ability to manage financial and human resources and coordinate a research portfolio involving extensive internal and external collaboration.  The successful candidate will be a respected, accomplished researcher with maturity, integrity, and outstanding communication skills.  The Director must have a record of accomplishments in mentoring and outreach, particularly to communities disproportionately affected by lung, critical care, or sleep diseases, and to those that are underrepresented in biomedical research.

The Director must demonstrate broad scientific vision, and the ability to lead and inspire staff with expertise in diverse scientific disciplines to assess research needs on a national/international scale and formulate and implement plans for solicitation of new research.  They must be a leader who is experienced in giving presentations nationally to broad audiences, including researchers, policy makers, and the public. 

• This position will be filled under a Title 42 (f) excepted service appointment.

This position requires the selectee to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

SALARY/BENEFITS: The Director, Division of Lung Diseases 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. 

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must submit the following documents to View email address on nature.com by August 24, 2026 for consideration:

• Current Curriculum Vitae Copy of advanced degree Bibliography Full contact details for three references Vision statement (not to exceed two pages) Statement that addresses the specific qualification requirements (not to exceed two pages)

Appointees may be a US citizen, Legal Permanent Resident or non-US citizen who are eligible for a valid work authorization.

Please see for more information.

You may contact Joanna Bare with questions and for more information about this vacancy at View email address on nature.com.

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 August 24, 2026

DHHS AND NIH ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS