Executive Leadership Opportunity: Deputy Center Director, FDA CBER

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Deputy Center Director for the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER). This executive-level role is central to the agency's mission of protecting the American public by ensuring the safety and efficacy of cutting-edge biological products. If you are a seasoned leader with a background in regulatory science and organizational management, this is an unparalleled opportunity to influence national health policy.

Job Responsibilities

As the Deputy Center Director, your daily responsibilities will include:

Co-directing the center’s operations and strategic planning.
Serving as the Acting Center Director in their absence.
Acting as a principal policy advisor on complex regulatory matters.
Representing the center before Congress and other key government entities.
Leading cross-center initiatives to improve governance and hiring.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must possess:

Proven executive experience in directing large organizations.
A deep understanding of FDA regulatory processes.
Demonstrated ability to navigate complex legislative mandates.
A commitment to public service and the highest ethical standards.

Salary and Comparison Table

The position is compensated under the Title 21 Pay Table 4, Band H.

Pay Level	Annual Salary Range
Executive Equivalent	$259,391 - $373,165

Benefits

Comprehensive Federal benefits package including health, life, and retirement.
Generous leave accrual programs.
Opportunities to influence national-level public health outcomes.
Professional environment emphasizing growth and empowerment.

Application Tips

Use the Application Manager portal to track your status.
Keep your resume strictly to two pages as requested.
Ensure your transcripts clearly indicate course titles and credits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What clearance is required? A Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance is required.
Is there a drug test? Yes, this is a drug-tested position requiring both pre-appointment and random testing.

This role is for those who are ready to take on the weight of national public health responsibility. We encourage qualified professionals to review the full requirements and submit their applications via the official channels.

Why This Deputy Center Director Job Matters

Shape the future of public health as the Deputy Center Director for the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER). Lead groundbreaking initiatives in biological product regulation at the executive level.

Deputy Center Director Job Overview

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking a visionary Deputy Center Director to join the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER). In this critical leadership role, you will collaborate with the Center Director to manage complex operations, oversee strategic policy implementation, and ensure the safety and effectiveness of innovative biological products, including vaccines, gene therapies, and blood products. This high-impact position offers the opportunity to drive national public health policy and advocate for the Agency’s mission before Congress and key stakeholders.

Requirements for Deputy Center Director

Proven executive-level experience directing a large, complex organization.
Demonstrated expertise in establishing organizational policy and implementing new legislative mandates.
Strong background in the regulation and development of biological products (safety, quality, and efficacy).
Effective communication skills for both internal staff and external high-level stakeholders.
Ability to coordinate complex work priorities and build strategic coalitions.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.
Must submit to a pre-employment and ongoing random drug screening program.
Must provide a comprehensive 2-page resume covering all relevant work history.

Preferred Qualifications for Deputy Center Director

Advanced degree in law, science, or management from an accredited institution.
Extensive experience interacting with legislative bodies such as Congress or the GAO.
Demonstrated success in leading cultural and organizational change management.
In-depth knowledge of DHHS and FDA regulatory policies and procedures.
Experience managing media relations and high-level public-facing communications.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) benefits.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Work-life balance with potential for telework at supervisor discretion.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives based on funding.

💡 How to Apply Deputy Center Director Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Deputy Center Director Job

Ensure you have a registered account at login.gov.
Prepare a 2-page resume specifically detailing your executive experience, salary history, and hours worked.
Gather all official or unofficial academic transcripts.
Complete the online questionnaire through the Application Manager portal.
Certify that all answers are your own and not generated by AI.
Submit your application and documentation before the August 5, 2026, deadline.

💡 General Tips

Focus your resume strictly on the technical requirements listed; do not use generic narrative responses.
Start your application early to resolve potential technical issues with the portal.
Ensure electronic transcripts are in a non-secured, readable format.
Review your SF-50 if you have held political or Schedule C appointments to ensure proper documentation is attached.
Contact the Applicant Help Desk early if you require reasonable accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of CBER?

CBER protects and advances public health by regulating biological products such as blood, vaccines, tissues, and cellular and gene therapies.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

The position is telework-eligible, though specific arrangements are subject to supervisor approval and departmental policy.

Why is this a Title 21 appointment?

This position is filled under the 21st Century Cures Act, allowing for streamlined hiring and compensation structures tailored to specialized scientific and executive roles.

Job from Food And Drug Administration

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the FDA are the pillars of the nation’s public health infrastructure. CBER specifically manages the regulation of high-stakes biological products, including vaccines, allergenics, and gene therapies. Working here means contributing to a mission that touches the life of every American.