The Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry (PPBC) at NIGMS, with a FY2025 budget of approximately $675 million, supports a wide spectrum of fundamental research aimed at understanding and manipulating biological processes at the molecular level. Organized into three branches with 14 scientific program officers, PPBC funds work spanning drug mechanisms, drug discovery and production, biological catalysis, anesthesia, metabolic regulation, and biochemical pathways. The division also fosters research that applies biological, engineering, and data science approaches to complex clinical problems, including sepsis, traumatic injury, and critical illness.
The Division Director serves as a key member of the NIGMS senior leadership team and provides strategic oversight for PPBC’s scientific and grant portfolios. The director engages advisory councils, aligns research investments with emerging scientific opportunities and NIH priorities, and advises on funding decisions across pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, and related chemical sciences. The role also includes providing guidance to academic institutions and scientific organizations on evolving research needs and program expectations.
This position offers significant opportunities to set national scientific priorities, lead transformative initiatives, and enhance the biomedical research enterprise.
LOCATION: Bethesda, Maryland
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must possess an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree in a field relevant to the position. The ideal candidate will have considerable research experience and will possess a broad spectrum of scientific knowledge related to the NIGMS mission. In addition, candidates should possess recognized research management and leadership abilities. A strong understanding of pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry and chemistry that deepens the understanding of biology is desired. The position will be filled under a Title 42 (f) excepted service appointment.
SALARY/BENEFITS: The Director position will be appointed at a salary commensurate with the selectee’s qualifications and experience, and NIH salary guidelines. Full Federal benefits will be provided, including retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and a savings plan (401(k) equivalent). A recruitment or relocation incentive may be available, and relocation expenses may be paid.
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must submit 1) current curriculum vitae, 2) copy of degree, 3) bibliography, and 4) full contact information. In addition, applicants are asked to prepare two statements: a vision statement and a statement that addresses the specific qualification requirements (please limit both statements to two pages each). In addition, three letters of professional reference may be required at a later date as the recruitment process progresses. Applications will be accepted beginning on June 22, 2026, and the position will be open for at least 30 days, but the application process will not close until a candidate has been selected.
Applications will be accepted from U.S. citizens and non-citizens as allowed by appropriations and statute.
Email your complete application package to NIGMSPPBCDirSearch2026@nigms.nih.gov. If you have any questions about this position or the application process, please contact Dee Winborne at the same email address.
All information provided by applicants will remain confidential and will be reviewed only by officials authorized by NIH.
DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTH DATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) ON APPLICATION MATERIALS
DHHS AND NIH ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
