Job Summary
The Office of Extramural Research (OER) in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of the Director, seeks to identify an outstanding Director to lead its Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) in Bethesda, Maryland. The OLAW develops, monitors, and exercises compliance oversight relative to the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals involved in research conducted or supported by any component of the PHS; coordinates appropriate PHS regulations, policies, and procedures both within PHS and in coordination with other Departments and Agencies in the Federal government; establishes criteria for and negotiation of Animal Welfare Assurances with institutions engaged in PHS-conducted or supported research using animals; conducts programs of clarification and guidance for both the Federal and non-Federal sectors with respect to the use of animals in research; directs the development and implementation of educational and instructional programs and generating educational resource materials; evaluates the effectiveness of PHS policies and programs for the humane care and use of laboratory animals; and serves as liaison to Presidential, Departmental, Congressional, interagency, and non-governmental Commissions and Boards established to examine issues pertaining to laboratory animal welfare in research and exercises leadership in identifying and addressing such issues.
The OLAW Director’s main responsibilities include the following:
• Provide oversight of highly complex assignments that include monitoring of PHS policy compliance, coordination of program guidelines, development of the applicable information systems necessary to coordinate with NIH grants and contracts administration, presenting position papers on major laboratory animal use and care issues, as well as direct engagement in legislative issues including actual testimony and the preparation of legislative testimony for use by the NIH directorate.
• Advise the NIH and HHS leadership on ethical and scientific issues pertaining to laboratory animal care and use in research, research training, and biological testing including all issues relative to the implementation of PHS policy.
• Represent NIH on government-wide committees, task forces, and working groups regarding issues pertaining to the humane use and care of laboratory animals. Serve on trans-PHS activities to formulate, implement, and evaluate relevant extramural programs, policies, procedures, and priorities. Maintain liaison and coordinate policy implementation with components throughout PHS and the Federal government that conduct or support activities involving animals.
• Direct the development and implementation of educational and instructional programs relating to the responsibilities of the research community for the appropriate care and use of laboratory animals.
• Provide authoritative direction and management oversight of overall OLAW activities and programs, including resource allocation, policy implementation, and business processes. Supervise directors of the OLAW’s organizational components.
• Promote NIH’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity throughout all programs, activities, and personnel guidelines.
Information about OLAW is available at: https://olaw.nih.gov/.
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 will be subject to a two-year trial period under this appointment.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must possess a doctoral degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM/VMD degree from a veterinary school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association); research management experience applied to veterinary research, clinical, or scientific programs at senior policy/management level; a sound understanding of the complex rules governing the care and use of animals in research activities; and the ability to apply broad knowledge and skills to gain the support of constituents internal and external to the NIH on key issues that may have competing interests. This position will be filled under a Title 42 (f) excepted service appointment.
Benefits
The Director, OLAW 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, long-term care insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401K equivalent) will be provided.
Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, with no discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.
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 on the 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.
Foreign Education
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.
Reasonable Accommodation
NIH provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Job Details
Open Date: Thu, 11/09/23
Close Date: Mon, 01/22/24
IC: OD (Office of the Director), Office of Extramural Research
Location: Bethesda, MD
Pay: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Vacancy Contact: Marianna Mertts - marianna.mertts@nih.gov
How to Apply
Applicants must submit:
1) a cover letter that includes a description of relevant research management and administrative leadership experience,
2) a current Curriculum Vitae,
3) a copy of the degree, and
4) full contact details for three references. Questions about the position and applications themselves should be sent to Marianna Mertts, PhD at marianna.mertts@nih.gov. Your application package must be received by January 22, 2024.
Applications will be accepted from U.S. citizens and non-citizens as allowed by appropriations and statutes.
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 JANUARY 22, 2024
DHHS AND NIH ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
