Background

A position developed to address a perceived need for a new senior position for those scientists who are managing large research programs but not carrying out a significant amount of investigator-initiated independent research (category 1), or for those senior scientists coming to the NIH for a limited period of time (category 2).

Nature of Position:

Category 1) Manager of large IC program/department with responsibility for substantial resources

Category 2) Senior scientist or clinician spending a limited period of time at the NIH, generally for more than one year and less than five; extensions require DDIR approval

Qualifications: (two or more as appropriate)

i. Recognized international expert in area of scientific mission

ii. Demonstrated expertise in managing a complex research program

iii. Exemplary skills in and innovative approaches to the latest technologies required

iv. Evidence of recognition of senior scientific status by peers (i.e., tenure, grant support, awards, other scientific recognition)

Appointment and review process:

For Category 1)

• National search required, with approval of process by the DDIR.
  
• For grandfathering of an internal candidate, the following alternatives are possible:
  (1) if the candidate was previously chosen by a national search for Senior Investigator or an equivalent position, no review by the IC Promotion and Tenure Committee is required but documention of the previous search must be provided;
  (2) if there is no documention of the candidate having been chosen by a search as above, the grandfathering request must be reviewed by the IC Promotion and Tenure Committee and strong documentation for grandfathering into the position must be provided.
  
• This is not intended for use to provide an immediate increase in a staff member's salary, as a promotion from staff scientist, or as an alternative to tenure for a tenure-track investigator.
  
• Central review by the Senior Scientist/Clinician Review Committee (Chair: Michael Gottesman; Members: John Gallin, Sheldon Miller, Elizabeth Nabel, Robert Wenthold, Robert Wiltrout, Kathy Zoon) for approval of appointment by DDIR.
  
• Review on 4 year cycle that would include review of both science and, when appropriate, programmatic needs
  • - each IC can decide what committee to use for the review, either a special subcommittee of the BSC or a specific management team.

Appointment mechanisms: Time-limited Title 42 appointment (42 USC 209(g)) (Title 5 or Commissioned Corps as exception)

 Check Sheet for Senior Scientist (category 1)

"Model" Memo for Senior Scientist (category 1)

Check Sheet for Senior Clinician (category 1)

"Model Memo for Senior Clinician (category 1)

For Category 2)

• Central review by the Senior Scientist/Clinician Review Committee (Chair: Michael Gottesman; Members: John Gallin, Sheldon Miller, Elizabeth Nabel, Robert Wenthold, Robert Wiltrout, Kathy Zoon) for approval of appointment by DDIR.
  
• If Senior Scientist or Senior Clinician has resources for research and is at the NIH for 4 years or longer, an appropriate review is required.

Appointment mechanism: Time-limited Title 42 appointment (42 USC 209(g))

 Check Sheet for Senior Scientist (Category 2)

"Model" Memo for Senior Scientist (Category 2)

Check Sheet for Senior Clinician (Category 2)

"Model" Memo for Senior Clinician (Category 2)