Director, Native Collective Research Effort to Enhance Wellness (N CREW) Program at NIH NIDA in Rockville, Maryland

Job Description:

NIH is the center of medical and behavioral research for the Nation

----making essential medical discoveries that improve health and save lives.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking exceptional candidates for the dual position of Director, Native Collective Research Effort to Enhance Wellness (N CREW) Program and Associate Director for Tribal Affairs. NIDA is committed to advancing the science on drug use and addiction and applying that knowledge to improve individual and public health.

The N CREW Program Director provides scientific leadership, policy interpretation, and direction for the highly complex, trans-NIH HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-Term) Initiative: N CREW Program including the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of progress and impact. The N Crew Program supports Tribes and Native American Serving Organizations (T/NASOs) to conduct locally prioritized research to address overdose, substance use, and pain, including related factors such as mental health and wellness. The incumbent will articulate on behalf of NIDA and participating Institutes/Centers (ICs) the scientific priorities and also engagement strategies and policy application within this sphere. This position requires representation on the federal side by an appropriately senior official who possesses deep and specific understanding of Tribal sovereignty, relevant policies, memoranda, and American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian (AI/AN/NH) community preferences, as well as someone who has the credibility and earned trust of the community combined with a deep understanding of NIH policies and processes.

The incumbent will also serve as senior advisor to the NIDA Director as the NIDA Associate Director for Tribal Affairs. The Associate Director provides leadership and direction on all facets of AI/AN/NH drug addiction research to lead and integrate this work across NIDA as well as across NIH, including the NIH Tribal Health Research Office (THRO), other federal agencies, AI/AN constituent national and international organizations, AI/AN extramural researchers, T/NASOs, all of which have vested interests and strong voices in engaging with the NIH. The N CREW Director and Associate Director for Tribal Affairs dual position includes inextricably intertwined and unique components and constituencies that must be integrated and aligned, increasing the complexity and impact of the position beyond standard single funding program positions in this crucial area for NIDA and NIH.

The successful candidate will possess an M.D., and/or Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in health and health science related fields and will have research experience and national renown in a field that is relevant to cognitive neuroscience, population studies, prevention science; and/or drug misuse and addiction. In addition, the candidate will possess experience that demonstrates the ability to manage and lead a large and diverse research program having national collaborations, scope, and impact. Candidates should have demonstrated effective leadership abilities, excellent communication skills with the ability to serve as a spokesperson, and strong program and project management of the planning, executing, and assessing of complex, multifaceted initiatives. Experience is also required in the resolution of operational issues and the ability to manage financial and human resources. A track-record of government/industry/academic excellence and outstanding scientific contributions to extramural research is expected. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly with respect to AI/AN/NH populations.  Additionally, the candidate should have working knowledge of Tribal research ethics and protocols and have demonstrated experience in building successful collaborative relationships with T/NASOs.

To learn more about the position, benefits, and application process, please see the full vacancy announcement at NIH OHR Scientific Jobs. Position open until filled. Applications will begin review by the search committee on April 28, 2024.

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