Staff Scientist, Neurobiology Laboratory, Division of Intramural Research

Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Division of Intramural Research (DIR)
Neurobiology Laboratory
In Vivo Neurobiology Group
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

The Neurobiology Laboratory of NIEHS, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina is recruiting a Staff Scientist for the In Vivo Neurobiology Group under the leadership of Guohong Cui, M.D., Ph.D., Principal Investigator. The In Vivo Neurobiology Group uses advanced imaging techniques to study the brain circuits involved in voluntary movement and to develop novel methods for diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

The NIEHS has a robust Intramural Research Program that actively studies how the environment impacts human health. Faculty interests range from Epidemiology and Biostatistics to Epigenetics, Development, Signal Transduction, Neurobiology, and Immunity. The Intramural Research Program hosts several state-of-the-art core facilities that provide intramural scientists support in Epigenomics, Mass Spectrometry, Bioinformatics, Metabolomics, Microscopy, and Structural Biology (including CryoEM). The successful candidate will have access to all NIEHS support facilities.

A Staff Scientist is a NIH employee generally appointed to a time-limited, renewable position to support the long-term research of a Principal Investigator. Staff Scientists do not receive independent resources but do work independently and have sophisticated skills and knowledge essential to the work of the laboratory. Staff Scientists should be capable of independently designing experiments and guiding research projects. The Staff Scientist in this position will also have responsibilities in supervising and mentoring postbaccalaureate students and postdoctoral trainees within the group.

Responsibilities

May include but are not limited to:

1. Conducting state-of-the-art research on the basal ganglia circuit using cutting-edge imaging methodologies.
2. Driving innovative investigations on the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders.
3. Processing data and statistical analyses to derive meaningful insights from complex datasets.
4. Playing a pivotal role in mentoring junior trainees and fostering collaborative relationships across diverse disciplines.

Qualifications

We are seeking an experienced neuroscientist who is committed to scientific excellence and understands the intellectual benefits of conducting state-of-the-art research on the physiology and pathophysiology of the brain circuits that undergo changes in various neurological conditions.

1. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in biological science or related fields and should have >5 years of post-doctorate research experience in neuroscience.
2. Applicants should have an excellent track-record in peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences.
3. Extensive hands-on experiences in in-vivo calcium imaging technologies such as spectrally resolved fiber photometry and miniature endoscope imaging in freely moving mice, in-vivo or ex-vivo electrophysiological recordings, confocal microscopy, viral delivery stereotaxic surgery, and chemo- and optogenetics are strongly preferred.
4. Strong capabilities in data processing and statistical analyses using R and MATLAB are strongly recommended.
5. Exceptional mentoring skills, as well as a collaborative mindset with the ability to foster interdisciplinary collaborations for comprehensive research outcomes are highly desired.

This position is not eligible for remote work. At the supervisor’s discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities, including telework.

Salary/Benefits:

The successful candidate for this position will be appointed at a salary commensurate with experience and accomplishments with full Federal benefits, including leave, health and life insurance, retirement, and savings plan (401K equivalent).

Equal Opportunity Employment:

Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, with no discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

Foreign Education:

Applicants who have completed part or all their education outside of the US must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is equivalent to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. We will only accept the completed foreign education evaluation. For more information on foreign education verification, visit the . Verification must be received prior to the effective date of the appointment.

NIH is the premier biomedical research center for the world. Its 27 institutes and centers employ more than 18,000 employees doing a vast array of jobs, all supporting efforts for a healthy nation. For information about the NIH mission, goals and institutes and centers, visit .

How to Apply:

The position is open to both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. Interested candidates must submit materials as one combined PDF via email to Bonnie J. Earnhardt. All emails should include vacancy number NR150 in the subject line. A complete application includes:

• Curriculum Vitae – Include your full curriculum vitae and bibliography. Please include a description of mentoring and outreach activities, especially activities with women or other underrepresented groups in biomedical sciences
• Research Statement – You must include a two-page statement of research background and interests.
• DEIA Statement – Include a statement, not to exceed 1 page, which addresses your commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility.

In addition, you must also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly to int-appls@niehs.nih.gov. Letters should be on official letterhead, signed, and dated. Referees must include the applicant’s name and vacancy number NR150 in the email subject line.

Incomplete applications or paper applications will not be accepted.

Questions about this position can be forwarded to Guang Hu, M.D., Ph.D. Review of applications will begin on December 4, 2023. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTHDATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) ON APPLICATION MATERIALS.

DHHS AND NIH ARE EQUAL OPPORUNITY EMPLOYERS.