Laboratory Chief

Laboratory Chief

Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

National Institutes of Health

Department of Health and Human Services

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Division of Intramural Research (DIR) is seeking an outstanding scientist to lead the Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases (LPVD), located on NIAID’s Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML) campus in Hamilton, Montana. 

The long-term goal of research in LPVD is to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of prion and viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS), thereby contributing to the development of therapeutic interventions for such diseases.

A laboratory chief in DIR is equivalent to a department chair in a university. Candidates must hold a Ph.D., D.V.M, M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field. The ideal candidate will have a highly successful track record in leading a strong independent research program that approaches important questions in the biology and pathogenesis of prion or viral diseases of the CNS or in the field of neuroimmunology. The selected candidate will be responsible for overseeing resource allocation, setting personnel and training standards, and determining the overall scientific vision of LPVD, which comprises seven principal investigators. The laboratory chief will be provided with resources to conduct independent laboratory research and, as appropriate, translational/clinical research. Committed resources include space, support personnel, and an allocated annual budget to cover services, supplies, and salaries. Salary is dependent on experience, qualifications, and accomplishments. A full package of benefits (including retirement and health, life, and long-term care insurance) is available. Women and people from other groups underrepresented in biomedical research are especially encouraged to apply. U.S. citizenship is not required.

In addition to the LPVD, RML is home to two additional laboratories: the Laboratory of Virology and the Laboratory of Bacteriology. Scientists at RML conduct high-impact, innovative basic and translational research on viral, bacterial, and prion agents with the goal of developing diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics. Research conducted at RML includes studies of vector/reservoir transmission, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and host immune response of viral, bacterial, and prion pathogens of concern to global health. In addition to biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) and animal biosafety level 2 (ABSL-2) laboratories and animal facilities, RML has state-of-the-art BSL-3, ABSL-3, BSL-4, and ABSL-4 facilities that can accommodate work with small animals, nonhuman primates, and small livestock models. RML also has core facilities for genomics, light and electron microscopy (transmission, scanning and cryo-EM), flow cytometry, and access to mass spectrometry and in vivo imaging equipment. RML is located in the scenic Bitterroot Valley of western Montana with easy access to some of the finest outdoor recreational opportunities in North America. Additional information about the LPVD is available online.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV) with a bibliography, a two- to three-page description of the proposed research program, and a statement describing their scientific and administrative vision for the laboratory, including approaches to training, management, and commitment to fostering diversity in biomedical research. Additionally, three letters of reference must be sent directly from the referees. Please include in your CV a description of mentoring and outreach activities in which you have been involved, especially those involving women and people from other groups underrepresented in biomedical research. All application materials should be submitted to at NIAIDDIRSearch@NIAID.NIH.GOV.

Completed applications will be reviewed starting October 7, 2021 and will be accepted until the position is filled. For additional information about the position, contact Dr. Sarah Cavanaugh at Sarah.Cavanaugh@nih.gov.

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