Description
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the world’s premier biomedical research institution, is seeking applications from exceptional candidates for the exciting position of Director, National Library of Medicine (NLM). The mission of NLM is to assist in the advancement of medical and related sciences and to aid in the dissemination and exchange of scientific information and data important to the progress of medicine and public health. An international leader in information science and data innovation, NLM supports and conducts research, development, and training in biomedical informatics, computational biology, data science, data standards, biomedical communications, and health information technology. Scientists, health professionals, and the public rely on robust, uninterrupted, and accessible NLM digital resources such as PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the National Center for Biotechnology Information data resources, among others. To support its mission, NLM has a budget of approximately $526 million and a staff of approximately 741 FTEs.
This position offers a unique and exciting opportunity for an exceptional leader to provide overall executive direction and scientific leadership to transform NLM into an epicenter for health-related data science and be a convening hub relevant to data science and analytics, and training at NIH. This will require strengthening or building partnerships within NIH, other Federal agencies, data and AI companies, and integration organizations. The Director, NLM serves as a principal advisor to the NIH Director concerning matters related to biomedical informatics, data science, and access to biomedical information in partnership with the NIH Office of Data Science Strategy and the Center for Information Technology. The Director, NLM will oversee NLM’s operation and management, including being responsible for the world’s preeminent biomedical library and for electronic information and data resources that are used billions of times each year by millions of people and thousands of computer systems worldwide. In exercising their responsibilities for program planning, implementation, and evaluation, the Director works with and seeks the advice of a wide range of groups within the scientific and information management communities, including investigators, institutions, scientific societies, libraries, and relevant commercial organizations. The Director also serves as the chairperson of the National Library of Medicine Board of Regents, the statutory external advisory body to NLM.
Requirements
Who Can Apply
The public
U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
The NIH seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to lead a dynamic organization. Applicants must possess an M.D. and/or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in the biomedical, computational, data sciences, and/or other related disciplines. A nationally/internationally recognized physician and/or scientist with experience and skill as a communicator in matters involving biomedical research in general is desired. Applicants must: exhibit a broad scientific vision, demonstrating skills in managing a large and complex biomedical research program and digital information systems and resources; have expertise and experience in data science; have the ability to lead and inspire staff with expertise in diverse scientific disciplines; have demonstrated experience in setting, planning, implementing, and analyzing program objectives and priorities; have the demonstrated ability to manage financial and human resources in conjunction with coordinating a research portfolio involving extensive internal and external collaborations; have the ability to serve as an authority on the development, implementation, management, and analysis of complex annual operating and program budgets with multiple funding categories; be a respected, accomplished senior-level researcher with maturity, integrity, and outstanding communication and interpersonal skills; be experienced in giving presentations to scientific and non-scientific audiences and possess political savvy to interact with various audiences and the ability to handle conflicts and diffuse difficult situations.
The Director, NLM, must be a team player and an innovative and strategic thinker. They must have the skills to liaison and collaborate with representatives of other NIH Institutes and Centers, federal and non-federal agencies, international research organizations, professional societies, foundations, the media, and patient and other advocacy groups; to establish research collaborations with not-for-profit organizations and industry partners; and to maintain a productive work environment that promote staff professional development and monitoring objectives.
This position requires the selectee to be a U.S. citizen and to obtain and maintain, at a minimum, a secret security clearance. This position is a Testing Designated Position, which requires the incumbent to submit to random urine testing for illegal drugs or substances.
Benefits
The Director, NLM, 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.
Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, and without 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.
Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure
NIH 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 Program website. We encourage you to review this information. The position is subject to a background investigation and requires the selectee 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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 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.
Reasonable Accommodation
You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
How to Apply
You are required to note the position you are applying for in the subject line of your application package email. If this is not annotated, your application will not be considered.
Applicants must submit a 1) current curriculum vitae, 2) bibliography (if not included in your curriculum vitae), 3) a supplemental narrative statement (no more than four pages) that addresses their vision for the Institute, their qualifications and interest in the position, and include a description of mentoring and outreach activities in which they have been involved, 4) a photocopy of their doctoral degree, and 5) acknowledgement of U.S. Citizenship on their CV or within the body of their application package email.
Email your complete application package to Ms. Emily Ellis at SeniorRe@od.nih.gov by the closing date noted below. Questions may also be directed to Ms. Ellis by calling 301-451-0086. Applicants are encouraged to browse the NLM home page: https://www.nlm.nih.gov.
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.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 P.M. ET ON NOVEMBER 21, 2025
DHHS, NIH, AND NLM ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
