WASHINGTON — The Obama administration on Tuesday nominated Dr. Robert Califf, a cardiologist and clinical researcher long affiliated with Duke University, to be the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.

The post requires Senate confirmation, but Dr. Califf, who has had a distinguished academic career, much of it at Duke, is not expected to face serious opposition.

Dr. Califf, 63, served in several roles at Duke University Medical Center from 1982 to 2015, including as director of the cardiac care unit. He founded the Duke University Clinical Research Institute in 2006 and was its director. He has been involved in a number of professional organizations, including committees of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.

Dr. Califf became the deputy commissioner for medical products and tobacco at the F.D.A. in March.

If his nomination is confirmed, Dr. Califf will be taking the helm of one of the most far-reaching federal agencies. Its officials like to say that it regulates about 20 cents on every dollar spent by American consumers, and its authority extends from drugs and food to medical devices and tobacco.