Description

Department of Health and Human Services 

National Institutes of Health 

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 

Chief, Virology Branch 

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the largest institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and part of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), conducts and supports a global program of research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. The NIAID is seeking an exceptional and visionary leader to serve as Chief of the Virology Branch (VB) within the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (DMID). The Chief directs and manages a complex scientific program that stimulates basic, translational, and clinical research and advances product development for viral infectious diseases of public health importance.  

The VB Chief leads research to prevent, control, and respond to infectious diseases caused by viruses other than human immunodeficiency virus. The VB Chief focuses on understanding the fundamental biology and pathogenesis and developing medical countermeasures for over 200 different viruses comprising over 20 viral families that impact human health, including but not limited to infectious disease outbreaks. As part of its comprehensive extramural portfolio, VB supports research on a wide range of infectious diseases including chronic diseases caused by hepatic viruses and herpes simplex virus, diseases that are devastating to newborns such as Zika and cytomegalovirus infections, and acute viral diseases with very high fatality rates such as rabies, yellow fever, and Ebola.  

The VB Chief exercises broad influence on scientific programs aligned with U.S. health priorities and develops and articulates scientific priorities in concert with NIH and DHHS goals and in the context of broader public health goals. The VB Chief provides leadership and supervision involving the strategic management of significant resources and the integration of portfolios that involve a broad range of viral infectious diseases, including newly emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. The VB Chief is a Science Program Leader – Tier 2 position and reports to the DMID director.  

Qualifications 
To qualify, applicants must have an M.D. or Ph.D. in a biomedical science. In addition, the candidate must have demonstrated skills in the following areas:  

1.       Independent and collaborative work in planning, organizing, and conducting basic and translational research in viral diseases;

2.       Successful management of a multifaceted research portfolio that addresses high-priority pathogens; and  

3.       Effective interactions across multiple sectors of government, industry, and academia.

Competitive candidates will be widely respected by their peers for their scientific and managerial or executive accomplishments and expertise.

To Apply 
Interested candidates should submit the following to the NIH Specialized Scientific Jobs portal by October 14th, 2026:

      Curriculum vitae (CV) and bibliography

      A three-page statement explaining your vision for viral diseases research, reasons for being interested in this position, and specific leadership skills and experience you would bring to NIAID.  

      A statement describing your experience mentoring and supporting future biomedical scientists

In addition, up to three letters of professional reference may be required as the recruitment process progresses.  

Please contact NIAIDExecutiveServices@mail.nih.gov with questions or for more information about the position.  

All information provided by applicants will remain confidential and will be reviewed only by authorized officials associated with the recruitment.

The successful candidate will be appointed under the Title 42 (f) authority at a salary commensurate with their experience. A full civil service package of benefits is also available, including retirement; health, and life insurance; annual and sick leave; and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent). Relocation expense allowances are authorized and may be paid in accordance with agency policy. If relocation expense allowances are paid, the selectee will be required to sign a one-year service agreement.

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

This position is subject to a background investigation.

Visit NIAID Careers for more information about working in NIAID’s dynamic atmosphere.

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

Requirements

To qualify, applicants must have an M.D. or Ph.D. in a biomedical science. In addition, the candidate must have demonstrated skills in the following areas:  

1.       Independent and collaborative work in planning, organizing, and conducting basic and translational research in viral diseases;

2.       Successful management of a multifaceted research portfolio that addresses high-priority pathogens; and  

3.       Effective interactions across multiple sectors of government, industry, and academia.

Competitive candidates will be widely respected by their peers for their scientific and managerial or executive accomplishments and expertise.