Biography
Mark D. Lindner, PhD, is currently serving as Acting Branch Chief of the Analysis, Informatics, and Automation (AIA) Branch within the Division of Planning, Analysis, and Information Management (DPAIM) at CSR—a role he assumed in August 2023 following seven years as leader of the Office of Planning, Analysis, and Evaluation (OPAE). In his current position, Dr. Lindner oversees several multidisciplinary teams that apply data science, statistical modeling, artificial intelligence and machine learning including generative AI and workflow automation. These teams support operational decision-making for CSR and NIH leadership and increase automation and efficiency of CSR’s business operations.
Dr. Lindner began his NIH career as a Scientific Review Officer for six years, managing peer review for key study sections, including Small Business applications, Adult Psychopathology and Disorders of Aging, Biobehavioral Regulation, Learning and Ethology, and Cognition and Perception. He earned his Ph.D. in Biopsychology from the University of Texas at Austin and brings deep expertise in experimental design, data analysis, the scientific method, and the science of science. Prior to joining NIH, Dr. Lindner spent nearly two decades advancing drug discovery, where he held senior scientific and leadership roles. During this time, he was among the first to highlight systemic issues contributing to the rigor and reproducibility crisis in biomedical research—identifying not only its scientific consequences, but also its operational and strategic implications for innovation and return on investment in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. He holds an IBM Data Science Professional Certificate and a Certificate in Evaluation Practice and he has authored numerous publications focused on maximizing scientific progress and productivity by strengthening rigor and reproducibility, and developing more effective methods for evaluating and managing research.
