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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Intramural Research Division (DIR)
Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Job Description

The Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (RDBL) within the Division of Intramural Research of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is recruiting a Tenure-Track Investigator specializing in Reproductive Immunology. Scientists within the RDBL use basic research to understand important biological principles in the context of reproductive and developmental health at a fundamental level. They translate insights from these studies into applied testing systems and inform clinical research and practice. Reproductive system disease and dysfunction are of great public health concern. Many reproductive disorders have unknown etiologies, and environmental factors are likely contributors. Preventing or reducing environmentally associated reproductive disease or dysfunction requires research that clarifies underlying biological mechanisms and identifies key molecular targets.

Environmental exposures can disrupt immune system function, contributing to inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system including endometriosis, ovarian or uterine fibrosis, and reproductive tract cancers as well as immune-related reproductive disorders like preterm birth, and infertility. As a first line of defense against environmental insults, the immune system plays a critical role in reproductive health, pregnancy maintenance, and parturition. We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to establish an independent research program to investigate the role of the immune system during pregnancy and/or parturition and its implications for reproductive and long-term health outcomes. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing our understanding of: 1) The role of the immune system in the basic mechanisms governing pregnancy establishment, maintenance, and parturition; 2) The developmental origins of health and disease, particularly as influenced by immune-environment interactions; and 3) The development and application of human cell-based models to assess environmental impacts on pregnancy and human development.

This is a rapidly expanding field that has matured sufficiently to provide reliable models of various developmental processes across many mammalian model systems. This research has extraordinary utility for the NIEHS mission and would both strengthen and take advantage of our considerable expertise in epigenetics (Epigenetics and RNA Biology Laboratory), reproductive biology (RDBL), cell signaling (Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory), and new approach methodologies (Division of Translational Toxicology).

The successful candidate is expected to lead an innovative, independent research program exploring the mechanisms of reproductive immune responses that enhances our understanding of the effects of the environment on human health. Investigators in the NIH intramural program have no formal teaching duties and minimal administrative responsibilities. They are funded internally (no grant-writing required) with the potential for generous long-term continuous support. In exchange, they are expected to engage in high-impact research with students, postdoctoral fellows and support staff, and collaborations with their colleagues to solve important scientific problems related to the Institute's mission. Excellent start-up funds, salary, and benefits packages will be provided to the selected applicant who will also have access to state-of-the-art research core facilities and computational resources. The NIEHS is located in the Research Triangle Park, a world-renowned academic research center in North Carolina well-known for its high quality of life and its proximity to top-tier universities.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a Ph.D., M.D. and/or equivalent doctoral degree with a preference for at least 3 years of postdoctoral research experience and an outstanding publication record. The emphasis will be on identifying an exceptional scientist with plans for an innovative and productive research program. Appointees may be U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or non-residents of the U.S. with, or eligible to obtain, a valid employment-authorization visa.

Salary / Benefits

The successful candidate for this position will be appointed at a salary commensurate with experience and accomplishments. Full Federal benefits will be provided, including retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and a savings plan (401(k) equivalent). Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements.

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on June 15, 2026. Interested candidates should submit materials as one combined PDF via email to Intramural Applications at [email protected]. All emails should include vacancy number AC1632 in the subject line.

A complete application package must include:

  • Cover Letter
  • Full Curriculum Vitae with Bibliography
  • Research Statement (Please include a 3–4-page description of your past accomplishments and your future research goals.)

In addition, you must arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly to [email protected]. Letters should be on official letterhead when possible and signed. Referees must include the applicant’s name and vacancy number AC1632 in the email subject line. Incomplete or paper applications will not be accepted or evaluated.

For further information about the position, please contact  Anton M. Jetten, Ph.D. ([email protected]) . Review of applications will begin on June 15, 2026, and the search will be closed once the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants.

Foreign Education

Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the U.S. 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 National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. Verification must be received prior to the effective date of the appointment.

DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTHDATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) ON APPLICATION MATERIALS.
DHHS, NIH, AND NIEHS ARE EQUAL OPPORUNITY EMPLOYERS.
NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community through its training and employment programs.