Seeking Candidates For Full-time Executive Position

Director, Pittsburgh Mining Research Division

Location: Pittsburgh (Bruceton), PA

Salary Range: $160,100 to $219,200

Background

The NIOSH Mining Program seeks highly qualified candidates for a full-time executive position as the Director of the Pittsburgh Mining Research Division (PMRD) within the Office of Mine Safety and Health Research (OMSHR). NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—the Nation's leading science-based, data-driven, service organization that protects the public’s health. The Mining Program’s mission is to eliminate mining fatalities, injuries, and illnesses through relevant research and impactful solutions. In support of this mission, the ideal candidate will possess expertise in occupational health and safety research, have a strong knowledge of and background in issues that affect the mining industry, and will serve as a leader in directing a high-performance research program dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of the Nation’s mining workforce.

PMRD operates with an annual budget of about $25 million. Programmatic areas include ground control, dust control, mine ventilation, fires and explosions, human factors, equipment safety, electrical research, and a broad range of other areas related to workplace health and safety. The Director works collaboratively with a large and diverse number of national and international companies, manufacturers, and organizations, and also works closely with the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) on issues that apply to public and private organizations, with many of the issues being complex and controversial.

Duties

• Direct an extensive research program covering health, safety, and disaster prevention within all sectors of the mining industry.
• Manage and oversee the PMRD mining research program and its approximately 155 research personnel and specialized facilities at the Bruceton Research Center campus, just south of Pittsburgh, PA.
• Advise the Associate Director for Mining on policy decisions that have implications related to miner health and safety.
• Work closely with the Spokane Mining Research Division (SMRD), Spokane, WA, on projects that include researchers across both PMRD and SMRD.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A doctoral-level degree in a scientific, engineering, or medical field from an accredited university.
• Recognized as a national and international expert in the field of mining with a strong background in basic and applied research within the occupational health and safety arena.
• A range of peer-reviewed publications and demonstrated accomplishments in implementing research projects.
• Articulate and knowledgeable in all aspects of scientific research methodology with a significant breadth and depth of knowledge in engineering principles and practices.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and communications skills.
• Evidence of leadership and scholarly accomplishments.

Both U.S citizen and non-U.S. citizens are eligible. Non-U.S. citizens meeting the above degree and specified specialized requirements are eligible for noncompetitive appointments under this appointing authority. One-year probationary period required for initial appointment; males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service; successful completion of a background investigation; Public Financial Disclosure Report (SF-278) is required; travel may be required (5 to 8 nights per month).

How to Apply

Submit the following documentation by July 15, 2020, to Dr. George Luxbacher, Deputy Associate Director for Mining, (Gluxbacher@cdc.gov):

• A CV/resume, not to exceed 10 pages
• Two written narratives, not to exceed two pages each, that address the following criteria:

1. Evidence of extensive knowledge and experience at conducting and managing occupational health and safety research programs, with a demonstrated ability to provide expert advice on complex technical and managerial issues.
2. Demonstrated ability to design and lead a research organization capable of delivering high-quality, timely, and effective program results that meet mission requirements. This includes the ability to assess and prioritize research needs, develop strategic plans to address those needs, and the ability to lead and influence a large workforce to meet the overarching needs of the organization.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.