Staff Scientist in Genetics/Functional Genomics/Epigenetics

A Staff Scientist 1 position is available in the Retinal Development, Genetics and Therapy Section within the Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration, & Repair Laboratory (NNRL) under the supervision of Dr. Anand Swaroop. A major goal of the Swaroop laboratory is to elucidate gene/genomic regulation in the retina during development, evolution, aging, and neurodegeneration. We are also focusing on how genetic variants contribute to healthy and disease phenotypes of the retina by integrating diverse ‘omics’ approaches, with a goal to design novel network/pathway-based therapy paradigms. The Staff Scientist will be expected to mentor junior scientists to further their career progressions and assist the P.I. in scientific lab management. The selected candidate will have flexibility to participate in mechanistic studies on transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, RNA biology, and/or cell signaling and guide a small group.

The individual selected for this position will have a strong record of innovative studies and proven accomplishments in functional genomics, developmental neurobiology, cell and/or molecular biology. Prior experience in vision research is not required. Together with the PI, the Staff Scientist is expected to steer the long-term research direction of the laboratory in relevant focus areas. As such, successful candidate should have a strong record of prior mentorship and outstanding communication skills (both verbal and writing).

See https://www.nei.nih.gov/research/research-labs-and-branches/neurobiology-neurodegeneration-repair-laboratory for further information about the NNRL.

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 often work independently and have sophisticated skills and knowledge essential to the work of the laboratory, although they do not receive independent resources. Staff Scientists should be capable of independently designing experiments, but do not have responsibilities for initiating new research programs. The Staff Scientist in this position would be involved in mentoring and guiding laboratory trainees and staff. NEI has a robust Intramural Research Program that is actively involved in fundamental and translational studies of the visual system.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants should have a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in any relevant field of Biology with at least 5 years of post-PhD experience and a strong track record of research with peer-reviewed high impact publications. Experience in gene regulation, epigenome, chromatin and/or RNA biology will be beneficial. Command of both spoken and written English is imperative. The applicant should have experience in supervising trainees in laboratory research and must have a track record indicative of innovative thinking.

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. The 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 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.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: NIH provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

TO APPLY: Email a single pdf document to Ms. Lucia Lawrence ([email protected]) including a Curriculum Vitae with bibliography highlighting key publications, and a 2-3 page statement including research interests, mentoring and teaching experience, outreach activities and philosophy of a successful research operation. Please include contact information of three references. Salary is commensurate with experience and proven accomplishments.

SALARY/BENEFITS: The successful candidate will be offered salary and benefits commensurate with experience and accomplishments. The appointment would be through the Title 42 mechanism - http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/pay/default.htm.

The 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 https://www.nih.gov/about-nih.

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

DHHS, NIH and NEI ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS