NINDS Director, Small Molecule Neurotherapeutic Development (Division of Translational Research)

This announcement is strictly an expression of interest. To apply, see application instructions below. The NINDS Division of Translational Research (DTR) is seeking experienced scientists for the position of Director, Small Molecule Neurotherapeutic Development. Located within the Division of Translational Research (DTR), the Director of Small Molecule Neurotherapeutic Development oversees the Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network Small Molecules Program (BPN-SM) and the HEAL Initiative Pain Therapeutics Development Program (PTDP) teams. BPN-SM is part of the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, a consortium of 14 NIH Institutes and Centers that jointly select, fund, and execute projects from early discovery through clinical trials. The Director will develop and manage a robust portfolio of neurotherapeutic projects spanning early discovery through clinical trials, with the long-term goal of advancing new treatments that improve patient health. This role requires high-level executive skills to manage a substantial budget and lead a team of scientists, program managers, and support staff in advancing a large pipeline of investigator-initiated highly collaborative research and development projects supported by grants and NIH managed R&D contracts with contract research organizations (CROs) and consultants. BPN-SM takes on promising CNS therapeutic projects that have strong scientific and public health rationale but are often too early, too risky, too novel, or insufficiently commercially mature for traditional pharma investment. The program helps generate the data, development strategy, and candidate quality needed to move these projects toward clinical testing and potential downstream partnership. As a member of senior leadership, the Director will work with internal and external project teams to manage scientific, drug-development, and regulatory activities, and will help deliver viable biomedical products to the clinic. Key ResponsibilitiesThe Director exercises broad influence over neurotherapeutic development and policy issues, providing high-level leadership in the following areas:Managing a diverse portfolio of neurotherapeutic development projects spanning discovery through first-in-human clinical trialsBalancing scientific innovation with rigorous project management, sound budget planning, and responsible stewardship of public resourcesMaking sound, data-driven judgments on stage-appropriate risk for NIH investments in neurotherapeutic development projects, and timely portfolio decisionsSupervising seven staff members involved in neurotherapeutic development programsEngaging with the extramural translational community through national meetings, targeted foundations, webinars, and other forumsAdvising the NINDS and DTR Directors on research opportunities to advance the mission and success of the BPN-Small Molecules and PTDP programs QualificationsApplicants must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, along with broad multidisciplinary scientific expertise in small molecules and neurotherapeutic development, including leadership experience advancing projects from early-stage ideas to patient impact in industry, biotechnology or translational academic settings. Competitive applicants must have technical experience in one or more specialized areas relevant to small-molecule drug development, including medicinal chemistry, assay development, DMPK, pharmacology, toxicology, IND-enabling studies, regulatory strategy, CMC, and/or clinical development. The successful candidate will bring scientific credibility, operational excellence, and strong communication skills to a highly visible NIH translational research program. The Director must be able to:Collaborate with Principal Investigators, scientists, key opinion leaders, project managers, and consultants across the therapeutic spectrum to resolve translational challenges and help investigators move products toward clinical trials efficiently and cost-effectivelyDirect and influence multidisciplinary teams to maintain focus on key milestones and critical-path activities, to advance projects on time and within budgetUnderstand the full preclinical and early clinical product development pipeline, including product optimization, assay development, in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, toxicology, preclinical scale-up and manufacturing, regulatory affairs, and early-phase human clinical trialsLead multidisciplinary teams through the drug discovery and IND application processLeverage experience in both industry and academic settings to establish and strengthen relationships and partnerships with academic institutions and small businessesProvide strategic direction, mentorship, performance management, and professional development for program staff How to ApplyQualified candidates should email a resume and cover letter to DTRRecruitments@ninds.nih.gov.Use the following subject line format: "NINDS Small Molecules Director, [Your Name]" About the Organization The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is a leading supporter of biomedical research on disorders of the brain and nervous system at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NINDS leads several major NIH programs that support early translational therapeutic discovery and development across multiple NIH Institutes and Centers. Appointment and CompensationThis position will be filled under a Senior Biomedical Research and Biomedical Product Assessment Services (SBRBPAS) excepted service appointment. Salary is commensurate with experience. A full package of Civil Service benefits is available, including retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and a savings plan (401(k) equivalent). Relocation expenses may be offered. This position is on-site in North Bethesda, MD.