Job Vacancy Announcement - HHS National Autism Coordinator
HHS National Autism Coordinator
National Institute of Mental Health
Department of Health and Human Services
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. NIMH is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest biomedical research agency in the world. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Position Overview
NIMH is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of HHS National Autism Coordinator, Office of the Director. The incumbent will serve as Senior Advisor on all federal autism activities, providing the Institute Director with advice concerning sensitive relationships with patient advocacy organizations and other agencies and departments and changes in federal policies that may impact autism research and service coordination efforts, including NIH and NIMH research efforts. He/She will provide executive-level leadership to enhance the effectiveness of the federal government’s autism research portfolio, participate in HHS research coordination activities, and routinely report federal agency autism research activities through the HHS Secretary to Congress. The incumbent will serve as a liaison between the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, NIH, HHS, other federal agencies and departments, and the stakeholder community, providing information to guide federal and public-private coordination efforts, including gathering of information related to and preparing official reporting of federal autism activities. The incumbent will have an intimate knowledge of the structure of the federal autism programs and its scientific programs and staffing to facilitate communication and reporting, enhance staff accomplishments, perform resource planning, and identify efficient business operational practices. This requires superior executive leadership and communication skills to effectively brief senior NIMH, NIH, and HHS officials and Congressional staff on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the lifespan, including gaps in scientific knowledge and access to needed services.
He/She must be an exceptional and visionary leader with the capability to identify trends and knowledge gaps in ASD research. The incumbent will be responsible for setting priorities and coordinating relevant activities within the NIMH, NIH, HHS, and other federal departments and agencies to promote research strategies that will contribute to the optimal development, health, and well-being of individuals with ASD. He/She will also be responsible for maximizing program efficiency and effectiveness by building partnerships with other NIH Institutes and professional organizations focused on expanding the Institute’s capacity to foster relevant research using joint workshops, mentoring arrangements, conferences, and training programs.
Qualifications
Applicants must possess an M.D. and/or Ph.D. in neuroscience, or a related medical or scientific discipline with broad senior-level ASD research and services familiarity. The incumbent must also have a background of direct administration or management of programs/efforts with national dimensions; and be known and respected within their profession, both nationally and internationally, as distinguished individuals of outstanding competence.
How to Apply
The vacancy announcements will be posted on the NIMH Internet at Careers at NIMH, as well as in various journals and listservs. Please send your letter of interest and CV by September 6, 2019 to NIMHsearch@mail.nih.gov. Please contact Melissa Kopyto at (301) 827-2862 if you have any questions regarding this process or questions regarding this position.
The NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. HHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers.