1. Competing for Scientific Leadership Positions
Roland A. Owens, PhD
Director of Research Workforce Development, Office of Intramural Research
Office of the Director

2. Why Become a Department Chair or Higher-Level Leader?
The benefits and authorities vary between Institutions, but often include:
•     Higher pay than a typical tenured faculty member/Principal Investigator
•     Supervisor of record for other faculty/PIs (e.g., can influence bonuses and salaries)
•     Ability to initiate requests for faculty/PI searches
•     Control or influence over shared resources and departmental priorities
•     Control or influence over the faculty tenure process
•     Signature required for
Staff and fellow appointments
Exceptional pay requests for faculty, fellows or staff
Renewals or exceptional extensions of appointments
Travel
Manuscript submission
Submission of grant proposals    

3. Basic Skills Needed to be an Effective Department Chair or Higher-Level Leader
An ability to perform multiple complex tasks in parallel (multi-tasking)
An ability to put the needs of the department or institution above your own needs
An ability to evaluate work outside your field
The scientific productivity of current and potential faculty
The performance of administrative support staff
The performance of infrastructure support staff (e.g., information technology, core facilities)
An ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of individuals
Advocating for your department to higher leadership
Developing a shared vision for departmental staff
An ability to manage people
Mediating interpersonal conflicts
Fairly adjudicating disputes over resource allocations

4. Strategies for Developing Leadership Skills
Help others (outside your immediate research group) to be more productive
Provide constructive criticism in a respectful way
Be generous in the sharing of resources (e.g. equipment) with others in your department
Seek opportunities for important research collaborations
Find out which committees are stepping stones to leadership and express a willingness to participate
Seek out opportunities for leadership classes or leadership coaching/mentoring
Build social capital
Try to speak one-on-one with as many people in your department as you can
Show up for faculty and departmental events, and be interactive
Show an interest in the work of others (including administrative and infrastructure support staff)

5. Identify and Connect with Multiple Role Models, Mentors, and Advocates
Nominate role models for seminars and professional society awards
Leverage any commonality
Same school
Same home town
Shared scientific interest
Shared taste in music or sports
Learn how to scan an office
A person will tell you what they value by what they display

6. Apply for Leadership Positions (Do Not Wait to be Asked)
For Current Leadership Openings at NIH See:
Executive Careers at NIH
Branch Chief and Scientific Director Positions

7. Questions?