Clinical Director

Company/Institution:	National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Location:	Bethesda , MD, USA
Degree Requirements:	MD, DO	Salary:	Not available
Job Type:	Research	Posted:	October 9, 2026
Job Setting:	Other	Application Period:	October 9-December 9, 2026

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking exceptional candidates for the leadership position of Clinical Director. The NHLBI’s mission is to provide global leadership for a research, training, and education program to promote the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, and blood disorders and enhance the health of all individual so that they can live longer and more fulfilling lives. The NHLBI Clinical Director is key to that mission within the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research (DIR), overseeing a budget of more than $20 million and leading a program with over 110 staff and contractors. The Clinical Director reports to the NHLBI Director and is a vital part of the Institute’s leadership team.

The role is primarily administrative in nature, with at least 50% of the position's duties dedicated to the strategic and operational leadership of NHLBI's clinical research program. The Clinical Director also has access to the full clinical research infrastructure of the Office of the Clinical Director (OCD), as well as optional time to engage directly in patient care. The position includes funds directly allocated to establish and support an independent research program, including the opportunity to mentor trainees.

The NHLBI DIR’s focus is to perform robust scientific and clinical research that leads to a better understanding of biology and clinical pathology. Building from a strong basic science foundation, the DIR’s clinical research program is multifaceted – from first-in-human clinical research trials to natural history studies of rare disease processes. This investigator-initiated work is supported by a robust clinical research infrastructure provided by the Office of the Clinical Director (OCD).

The Office of the Clinical Director includes the Offices of Patient Safety & Education, Research Nursing and Protocol Coordination, Patient Recruitment, Protocol Navigation, Clinical Data Management, Advanced Practitioners, and administrative staff overseen by the Chief of Staff. In total, there are approximately 110 staff members and contractors. The Clinical Director has oversight of all clinical operations within the DIR and partners with the Scientific Director in supporting the clinical research activities of the DIR’s six clinical research branches.

The Clinical Director is responsible for the overall management of NHLBI’s clinical research program and clinical activities, including development of strategic plans, identification of new clinical research opportunities, implementation of new research programs, and the recruitment, training, and mentoring of tenure-track investigators and physician-scientist early stage investigators. The Clinical Director formulates and implements the NHLBI DIR’s clinical research program in partnership with the Scientific Director and under the supervision of the NHLBI Director. The position also provides protected time and resources for conducting an independent research program related to the mission of
NHLBI.

The NHLBI seeks candidates who have a commitment to scientific
excellence and an established record of outstanding research accomplishments, scientific leadership, and service within a clinical research setting and/or in the areas relevant to heart, lung and blood research. Applicants must possess an M.D., D.O., or equivalent degree and have senior-level research experience, knowledge of research programs, appropriate clinical training, expertise, and Board certification in one or more scientific areas related to heart, lung, and blood research. Applicants must hold a medical
license and be eligible to practice medicine in the United States.

The ideal candidate must be a recognized, international leader in the fields of NHLBI’s research to understand, treat, and prevent some of the most common and severe heart, lung, and blood diseases affecting public health. The candidate must have demonstrated administrative leadership experience running a complex clinical program or institution. The candidate must have a substantial record of achievement in medicine and research as evidenced by ongoing patient-care activities, clinical teaching, peer-reviewed publications, awards, and leadership activities.

The Clinical Director, NHLBI, will be appointed at a salary commensurate with his/her qualifications and experience. Full Federal benefits, including leave, health and life insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401K equivalent) will be provided. A recruitment and/or relocation incentive may be available,
and relocation expenses may be paid.

About the Employer

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides global leadership for a research, training, and education program to promote the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, and blood diseases and enhance the health of all individuals so that they can live longer and more fulfilling lives.  

The NHLBI stimulates basic discoveries about the causes of disease, enables the translation of basic discoveries into clinical practice, fosters training and mentoring of emerging scientists and physicians, and communicates research advances to the public. It creates and supports a robust, collaborative research infrastructure in partnership with private and public organizations, including academic institutions, industry, and other government agencies. The Institute collaborates with patients, families, health care professionals, scientists, professional societies, patient advocacy groups, community organizations, and the media to promote the application of research results and leverage resources to address public health needs. The NHLBI also collaborates with international organizations to help reduce the burden of heart, lung, and blood diseases worldwide.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit:
• Current curriculum vitae
• Bibliography (if not included in your curriculum vitae)
• Copy of medical degree
• Narrative statement (no more than four pages) that addresses:
o The required qualifications
o Interest in the position
o Description of prior leadership and mentoring experience
o Vision for leading the NHLBI Clinical Program

Completed application packages must be submitted to: NHLBI_Careers@mail.nih.gov. Applications will be accepted from U.S. citizens and non-citizens as allowed by appropriations and statute. All information provided by applicants will remain confidential and will be reviewed only by officials authorized by NIH.

Review of applications will begin on or about December 9, 2026 but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Do not include your birth date or social security number (SSN) on application materials.
NHLBI, NIH, and DHHS are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Contact Information

Joanna Bare
31 Center Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
NHLBI_Careers@mail.nih.gov

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