Job Announcements for the NCI Division of Cancer Biology

The NCI Division of Cancer Biology (DCB) is expanding! We are hiring for multiple Program Officer positions.

Three of our branches are recruiting Program Officers/Program Directors: the Cancer Cell Biology Branch (CCBB), the Cancer Immunology, Hematology, and Etiology Branch (CIHEB), and the DNA and Chromosome Aberrations Branch (DCAB).

Additional information about each of these positions can be found below.

About DCB

In DCB, we envision a thriving community of staff that work together to catalyze new research that provides both basic biological insight into cancer mechanisms and translational potential.

We do this through our mission, which is to identify, enable and promote impactful basic cancer biology research by supporting a diverse and vibrant community towards the advancement of fundamental knowledge and insights that ultimately provide a foundation for better health and well-being for patients and their advocates.

Towards this mission DCB supports fundamental basic research through a portfolio of grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts that are frequently at the cutting edge of new discoveries and insights.

Research supported by the DCB includes investigation of the molecular, cellular, and tissue-level mechanisms underlying cancer initiation, progression, treatment, and metastasis. The DCB also supports studies focused on the role of biological, hormonal, chemical, and physical agents in cancer etiology, and the development of new methods and technologies that drive our understanding of cancer.

The organization consists of the Office of the Director, six Scientific Branches, and numerous cross-cutting research programs. There are currently 55 full time equivalent staff members within DCB. The Director, Deputy Director, Chief of Staff, and Branch Chiefs make up the DCB Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) which collaboratively oversee the scientific mission of the DCB.

Branches are led by a Chief, who reports to the Deputy Director, and include Program Directors. Administrative tasks are done through a matrixed, distributed model and all of our outstanding administrative staff directly report to the Chief of Staff.

Each Branch member brings specific scientific expertise and a distinct skillset to Branch activities. The overall responsibilities of the Branches include:

Providing scientific and administrative management of a portfolio of grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts in areas relevant to cancer biology.
Facilitating investigator-initiated research by working with individual investigators, professional societies, and research institutions to provide information, advice, and guidance on opportunities for research support.
Identifying and addressing specific gaps and opportunities in cancer biology research, through discussions, meetings, workshops/conferences, and a variety of mechanisms of support and assistance.
Reporting on scientific progress and program accomplishments to the scientific community, the Institute, the Congress, and the public
Establishing and implementing program priorities that promote advances in cancer biology while protecting taxpayer investment.

In addition to supporting the overall responsibilities of the branch, the main responsibilities of Program Directors are to support extramural grants, contracts, and training with the goal of improving national health. Duties include:

Advise grant applicants/grantees
Attend scientific review meetings
Make funding recommendations
Monitor awarded grants
Foster specific science through initiatives and meetings
Engage the public/scientific communities
Maintain own area of scientific expertise

As an agency of the federal government, NCI shares a commitment to equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment and hiring of a high-performing work force, including in our search process for this position.

Cancer Cell Biology Branch (CCBB) Program Director

Branch Description

This position is located at the CCBB, Division of Cancer Biology (DCB), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The CCBB supports and directs a comprehensive research program that defines the biological basis underlying the differences between normal cells, premalignant cells and early lesions, and cancer/tumor cells. Major emphases are on studies that reveal pathways, processes, and effectors that promote cancer formation and molecular targets with potentials for early detection, therapeutic or preventive interventions.

Position Description

The scientific staff will perform duties relevant to the administration of a research grants program involving cancer cell biology studies. The staff will serve as the scientific expert for a segment of program areas and provide technical guidance to the scientific community and institute in planning, coordinating, and evaluating proposed research projects and programs of interest to the NCI. Staff will also:

Perform scientific and administrative reviews and analyses of applications from a programmatic viewpoint.
Provide advice on the selection of consultants to ensure the complete and fair scientific evaluation of applications; make recommendations regarding actions on matters relevant to specific research proposals in the assigned program area.
Review and evaluate recommendations of initial review groups and/or other advisory groups, the scientific merit of the proposed research, the availability and adequacy of facilities, and justification for individual budget items and total funds recommended, as related to the scientific objectives and needs of projects.
Prepare information for and attend advisory/review committee/panel meetings and respond to issues and concerns about specific applications pertaining to assigned program area.

Individuals who have applied to the recent NIH Global Recruitment HSA announcements for this position, or those who are considering applying for the upcoming Global HSA announcements, are encouraged to send a letter of interest and a curriculum vitae to DCB Chief of Staff, Dr. Lisa Witzler (lisa.witzler@nih.gov).

Cancer Immunology, Hematology. and Etiology Branch (CIHEB) Program Director

Branch Description

CIHEB in the Division of Cancer Biology (DCB) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) manages diverse research grant projects and programs in cancer immunology, hematologic malignancies, and cancer etiology. In addition to supporting research grants that investigate the molecular bases of hematologic malignancies (including B- and T-cell leukemias and lymphomas, multiple myeloma, chronic and acute myeloid leukemia), CIHEB also supports a diverse grant portfolio that addresses basic biological mechanisms underpinning anti-tumor immune responses, as well as studies that investigate the role of microbiota (primarily viruses and bacteria) in the initiation, promotion and/or resistance of human cancers.

The CIHEB team is a dynamic and interactive group who work together collaboratively to cover this broad and rapidly evolving scientific and technical space of the Branch portfolio.

Position Description

CIHEB is currently recruiting a Program Director/Program Officer at the GS-12/13/14 level to manage diverse research grant projects and programs in their hematologic malignancy portfolio.

The Branch is especially interested in recruiting an experienced, creative individual with substantial, cutting-edge research experience in hematopoiesis with an emphasis in B-, T-cell and/or myeloid cell development. Knowledge of the NIH grants process is preferred but not a requirement for consideration.

DNA and Chromosome Aberrations Branch (DCAB) Program Director

Branch Description

Research supported by DCAB employs molecular and genome-wide methods for genomic characterization to study genetic variation, gene regulation, DNA damage, DNA repair, genomic instability, and cancer etiology + chemical carcinogenesis. The studies supported by DCAB provide critical insight into pathways that control tumor formation and progression to malignancy.

Position Description

DCAB is recruiting a Program Director/Program Officer to manage research grant projects and programs in their DNA and chromosome aberrations portfolio.