The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientificĀ knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMIĀ supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and administrative professionals. Together, weāre unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.
HHMIās Headquarters is located on a beautiful 40-acre campus in the greater Washington DC metro area that is home to over 300 employees with strong cross-departmental collaboration between biomedical, legal, human resources, communications, information technology, investments, science education, and more.
The HHMI Science Department supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation, and you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.
Summary:
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) seeks an academic scientist interested in an outstanding professional opportunity to serve as a Senior Director ā Scientiļ¬cProgramOfļ¬cer at HHMIto support our early career Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program and Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program. Applicants must hold, or have previously held, a tenured academic position or equivalent role, and must have a minimum of 10 years of experience as a lab head overseeing basic biomedical research. This is a full-time appointment that requires weekly on-site work at HHMIās headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD.
Senior Directors ā Scientiļ¬cProgramOfļ¬cers are members of the HHMI Science Department and play a key role in HHMIās efforts to evaluate and advance science as well as to reshape the scientiļ¬c ecosystem to make it more inclusive and supportive for mentees.
This role focuses on the following areas:
Participate in the evaluation of current and future HHMI Scientists, including HHMI Investigators, Freeman Hrabowski Scholars, Hanna Gray Fellows, Gilliam Fellows, and Cech FellowsĀ \
Support the early career scientists in the Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program and the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program
Liaise with HHMIFreeman Hrabowski Scholarsat universities and research centers across the U.S. regarding scientiļ¬c and administrative matters
Coordinate programmatic and operational initiatives by developing policies for the Science Department that focus on promoting the best possible institutional framework for groundbreaking science that focuses on people, not projects
Join the team of Senior Director ā Scientific Program Officers who overseeall ofHHMIās early-career scientist programs
Workwith the Vice President and Chief Scientiļ¬c Ofļ¬cer to design and implementearly career scientistcompetitions andFreeman Hrabowski Scholar Midpoint Progress Evaluationsto ensure that they align with HHMIās overarching mission, values, and internal policies.Ā
Serve as an impactful leader by developing and vetting ideas in collaborative sessions with the Vice President and Chief Scientiļ¬c Ofļ¬cer and other senior leaders at HHMIto implement actionsdesigned to transform the scientiļ¬c ecosystem.
We are looking for someone who is passionate aboutsupporting early-career scientists and eager to collaboratewith HHMIāsSenior Directors,a team ofhighlycommittedprofessionals. This role will allow you to expand your impact to the broader scientiļ¬c ecosystem in the United States.All aspects ofthis position draw on yourscientific experience andadministrativemanagement skills with a strong focus on excellent scientific judgment,interest in supporting early career scientists, commitment to inclusive mentoring,and a collaborative working style.
Relocation to the Washington DC area is expected. Candidates who do notrelocateshould live with reasonable commuting distance to allow regular travel to HHMI headquarters for at least 3 days of on-site work per week. Scientists who are currently running academic research laboratories are welcome to apply, but should plan to close their labs withintwo years of being hired as a Senior Director ā Scientific Program Officerso they can be fully engaged with the responsibilities of this role.HHMI will provide direct support to your labduring the time that you are winding down operations.
What we provide:
The opportunity to use your scientiļ¬cexpertiseand broaden impact across the scientiļ¬c landscape through this uniquely positioned role
The chance to work with and support outstandingearly-careerscientists at HHMI
Generous salary and benefits package
What you bring:
Education
M.D. and/or Ph.D. (or equivalent) plus signiļ¬cant experience overseeing research in basic biological and biomedical sciences in an academic research setting isrequired
Experience
Minimum of 10 years of professional research experience (following ļ¬rst appointment as tenure-track assistant professor or equivalent) and received tenure or equivalent.
Experience as a Principal Investigator with current or past funding from nationally competitive grants or contracts from NIH, NSF, and/or other federal agencies or private funders.
At least 5 years of administrative experience leading major academic programs or departments, or in comparable roles at research institutes, professional societies, conferences, or scientific journals.Ā
Experience in offering effectiveand inclusivementoring to scientists at all career stages
Skills
Interest and experience in mentoring early career scientists
Passionate about bringing and inclusive mindset to mentoring in HHMI labs
Broad scientiļ¬c interests and excellent scientiļ¬c judgment evaluating scientific impact
Demonstrated leadership ability andadministrativemanagement skills
Effective decision-making, negotiation, communication, and mediation skillsĀ
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to be collegial and work with a team
Excellent analytical and organizational skills to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
Strength in scientiļ¬c, programmatic, and policy writing
Interest in administrative work to support the work ofFreeman Hrabows
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