ABCD Study Director

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) , 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 Project Director, Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Program, Division of Extramural Research (DER). DER provides leadership, coordination, and oversight for NIDA's extramural research enterprise, including the coordination and oversight of major collaborative and trans-NIH research initiatives. The Project Director is responsible for providing overall scientific leadership for this highly visible and complex trans-NIH research program.

The Project Director establishes scientific priorities and strategic objectives; makes high-level recommendations and decisions regarding overall program direction; advises on resource allocation; evaluates scientific progress; and provides leadership in identifying and resolving complex scientific, operational, and policy issues affecting the study. The Project Director is also responsible for collaborating with participating NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices; the ABCD Coordinating Center; the Data Analysis, Informatics, and Resource Center (DAIRC); Research Project Sites; Consortium investigators; and other scientific and programmatic partners in the scientific planning, implementation, oversight, management, evaluation, data stewardship, and communications of the ABCD Program. In addition, the Project Director advises senior NIDA and NIH leadership on matters of major scientific and strategic importance to ABCD and maintains interactions with the scientific community, other Federal agencies, research and professional organizations, and other stakeholders and serves as a senior representative for the study in interactions with these organizations and stakeholders.

The Project Director, ABCD Program, Title 42, 0601, SPL-2 is a full-time federal position in Rockville, Maryland. Appointees may be a U.S. citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, or non-U.S. citizen who are eligible for valid work authorization. This position is subject to a background investigation. To apply to this position, please submit your CV with bibliography and a statement addressing the qualifications and interest in the position to View email address on jobs.sciencecareers.org . The application period will begin on 9/28/2026 and end on 10/28/2026.

The successful candidate must possess an M.D. and/or Ph.D. degree (or equivalent doctoral degree) in a health or allied science field relevant to the position from an accredited educational institution, with substantial research experience and expertise in one or more areas relevant to the ABCD Program, including neurodevelopment; developmental and cognitive neuroscience; neuroimaging; mental and physical health; substance use and addiction; behavioral and social sciences; epidemiology; longitudinal and population-based research; and/or related areas relevant to understanding health, development, and well-being across adolescence and young adulthood. Candidates should have demonstrated executive leadership experience in the management of large complex research programs, involving scientific and administrative personnel; as well as a distinguished track record of engaging collaborators of national or international scope and impact. 

Salary will be commensurate with experience. A full civil service package of benefits may be available. Relocation expenses will be offered based on eligibility.

To learn more about the position, benefits, and application process, please see the full vacancy announcement on the NIH Scientific Careers Page . Please direct any inquiries about the position or about the application process to   View email address on jobs.sciencecareers.org . Position open until filled. Applications will be reviewed by the search committee starting on November 4, 2026.

DHHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers. Visit NIH Equal Employment Opportunity site for more information.