Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health

National Institute on Aging

Intramural Research Program

Staff Scientist 1

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), Intramural Research Program (IRP), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is recruiting for a Staff Scientist 1 in the Diabetes Sections of the Laboratory of Clinical Investigation (LCI) in Baltimore, MD. The scientific objectives of the Diabetes Section are multifaceted and extend beyond traditional diabetes research to explore the intricate relationship between diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related disorders (ADRD). Researchers aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of these conditions and uncover the shared pathological processes linking them, including insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, with the ultimate goal to develop comprehensive approaches for prevention and treatment. 

The Staff Scientist 1 will play a major role in collaboration with the Laboratory Chief in project management, experimental design and hands-on execution; manuscript preparation; as well as training postbaccalaureate and postdoctoral fellows, junior trainees and other staff; and liaising with other Sections and Investigators in LCI, as well as collaborators. The Staff Scientist will be responsible for conducting in vitro and in vivo model studies in the ADRD field, including surgical manipulation and stereotaxic injections of animal models as well as implementation of behavioral paradigms. Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for downstream analyses involving immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry and various microscopy techniques. The incumbent will collaborate closely with both Section staff and staff at the animal care facility, including technicians and attending veterinarians, to ensure research goals are achieved while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare. Additionally, the incumbent will participate in the management and breeding of mouse colonies for the Diabetes Section. The Staff Scientist will be responsible for the creation and maintenance of all Animal Study Proposals for LCI, ensuring their accordance with the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and the Animal Welfare Regulations.

The successful individual must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree(s) in Neuroscience and/or Molecular Biology, or closely related fields. A productive doctoral and post-doctoral track record, as evidenced by a publication record including first-author and collaboratively-authored publications in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals, will be a major criterion for selection. The successful candidate should be proficient with biochemical, histological, and microscopy techniques as applied to in vitro and in vivo research in the ADRD field and Neuroscience at large.

Staff Scientists do not receive independent resources, although they often work independently and have sophisticated skills and knowledge essential to the work of the Laboratory. Although this Staff Scientist will be supervised by the Chief of the LCI, they will be interacting with the scientists from the IRP and scientific community at large. 

Salary is commensurate with research experience and accomplishments. A full Civil Service package of benefits (including retirement, health and life insurance, Thrift Savings Plan participation, etc.) is available. All employees of the Federal Government are subject to the conflict-of-interest statutes and regulations, including the Standards of Ethical Conduct. Additional information regarding the NIA IRP is available at the following website: www.irp.nia.nih.gov.

To apply: Please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, bibliography, statement of research interests, and three letters of recommendation to: Sarah Lewis, Supervisory Management Analyst, Office of the Scientific Director, National Institute on Aging, Vacancy

#NIA-IRP-24-03-SL via email at [email protected]. Applications, including letters of recommendation, must reference the Vacancy # NIA-IRP-24-03-SL. The first round of reviews is expected to occur on or about August 26, 2024, however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

DHHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers.

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.