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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Intramural Research Division (DIR)
Comparative Medicine Branch
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Job Description

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is searching for a Deputy Chief /Deputy Animal Program Director of the Comparative Medicine Branch (CMB). This position is classified as a Title 42 (g) Staff Scientist 1 within the Division of Intramural Research (DIR). CMB provides a broad range of services and collaborative support for NIEHS intramural research programs. The Deputy Chief will be responsible for assisting the Chief CMB with the management of an AAALAC accredited animal care and use program and for support of NIEHS animal research programs that have a strong emphasis on rodent animal models.

The Deputy Chief will have supervisory responsibility of section heads within CMB and will serve on the NIEHS Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) as well as other committees as directed by the Chief, CMB. The Staff Scientist will be expected to participate in independent or collaborative research and training, and work with the Chief, CMB to resolve pertinent issues and challenges. The Deputy Chief will participate in long range strategic planning processes to develop and implement effective goals and directions for the animal care program and provide information and recommendations to the Chief, CMB.

CMB is responsible for management of the NIEHS animal care and use program, which includes facility management, animal procurement and housing, animal health surveillance and disease diagnosis, clinical veterinary services, rodent breeding, technical and surgical assistance, animal imaging, behavioral phenotyping, quality assurance of materials used in animal-based research and animal food, bedding, and water, and professional advice to the institute on animal related issues.

CMB supports the scientific staff by providing training for investigators and technicians, post-approval compliance monitoring, quality assurance support for research projects, consultation with investigators planning animal research projects, and administrative and professional staffing for the ACUC.

CMB also plans and conducts independent research in support of animal care, use and welfare advancement. CMB participates in the training of residents in an ACLAM approved laboratory animal medicine training program.

The NIEHS Animal Care and Use Program is fully accredited by AAALAC, International. CMB supports approximately 110 active animal research projects for scientists in the Division of Intramural Research. A daily inventory of over 40,000 rodents is maintained.

Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications include a DVM/VMD from an AVMA-accredited or approved college or university, a current license to practice veterinary medicine in any state in the United States and board certification by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. NIH’s ability to help ensure that the nation remains a global leader in scientific discovery and innovation is dependent upon a pool of highly talented scientists from diverse backgrounds who will help to further NIH's mission. NIEHS is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core tenet.

Although not essential, demonstrated experience in the following areas is preferred: leading, or assisting in managing, an AAALAC accredited program supporting animal-based biomedical research, establishing guidelines and procedures for animal care and use activities consistent with pertinent laws, acts, regulations, and policies; evaluating the effectiveness of programs and providing guidance on a veterinary medical program and animal health standards and criteria; performing veterinary medical diagnostic, surgical and/or treatment services for one or more species of laboratory animals in a laboratory environment prior to and during research utilization; and project management.

Appointee may be a U.S. citizen, Legal Permanent Resident or non-U.S. citizen who is eligible for a valid work authorization.

This position is subject to a background investigation.

Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements.

How to apply:

Interested candidates must submit materials as PDFs via email to Intramural Applications at [email protected]. All emails should include vacancy number NR159 in the subject line. A complete application includes:

  • Cover Letter summarizing previous work experience managing an animal program and future interests.
  • Curriculum Vitae. Include the full curriculum vitae including bibliography. Please include a description of mentoring and outreach activities.

In addition, applications must also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly to [email protected]. Letters should be on official letterhead, signed and dated. Referees must include the applicant’s name and vacancy number NR159 in the email subject line.

Incomplete applications or paper applications will not be accepted.

For further information about the position, please contact  Dondrae J. Coble, D.V.M. ([email protected]) .

Agency Contact:

Intramural Applications
Agency Contact E-Mail: [email protected]

Review of applications will begin on April 20, 2026. Applications will be received until position is filled.

Benefits:

Salary will be commensurate with experience. A full civil service package of benefits may be available. This position includes full Federal benefits, including participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System, a Thrift Savings Plan (401(k) equivalent), health and life insurance, and paid and annual sick leave.

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.

Foreign Education:

Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the United States must provide an evaluation by an accredited organization to ensure its equivalence to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. 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.

DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTHDATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) ON APPLICATION MATERIALS.
DHHS, NIH, AND NIEHS ARE EQUAL OPPORUNITY EMPLOYERS.
NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community through its training and employment programs.