Director, National Library of Medicine

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 Pub Med, Clinical Trials.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 s 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.

U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

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…