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 in the Lymphocyte Differentiation Section (LDS) of the Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology (LMBI) in Baltimore, MD. The LDS has three major interests: 1) Transcriptional features and their epigenetic regulation in CD8⁺ T cell subpopulations and their changes with age; 2) General and antigen-specific α/β TCR repertoire diversity, TCR clonal distribution, and their age-associated changes and consequence; and 3) Regulation and function of telomere and telomerase in lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation, function and aging.  

The Staff Scientist will be responsible for conducting analysis of genomic data (scRNAseq, RNAseq, ChIPseq, ATACseq, exome sequence, and others) and high-dimensional flow cytometry data; and applying statistical methods and machine learning tools to generate biologically meaningful results. The incumbent will have a major role in advising the Section Chief, supporting ongoing projects, and preparing manuscripts for publication. In addition, the Staff Scientist will actively participate in designing experiments, training postdoctoral and postbaccalaureate fellows, and maintaining research continuity within the Section.

The successful individual must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in computational biology, bioinformatics, mathematics, or related fields, with productive postdoctoral experience as evidenced by record of primary and collaborative authorship in peer-reviewed publications in internationally recognized journals. The individual should have proficient programming skills in more than one of the commonly used languages such as C++, Python, Perl, and R in a Unix environment, and practical knowledge of biostatistics and machine learning. Database management experience and experience in wet lab work is preferred. Knowledge and familiarity of widely used genomics-related software tools are expected. Bioinformatics software development experience as evidenced by publicly deposited computational packages will be highly valued. Excellent written and oral (English) communication skills are also required. 

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 Section Chief, 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, life, and long-term care 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 .

Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.  Employees providing healthcare or services in support of healthcare (Healthcare Workforce) may be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine because they are expected to perform duties that put them in contact or potential contact with patients. We may request COVID-19 vaccination, and other vaccination documentation from Healthcare Workforce personnel at any point during the onboarding process or at any time during your employment with the NIH.

To apply: Please send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, bibliography, statement of research interests, and three letters of recommendation to: Sarah Lewis, Intramural Program Specialist, Office of the Scientific Director, National Institute on Aging, Vacancy #NIA-IRP-22-04-SL via email at niairpjobs@mail.nih.gov. Applications, including letters of recommendation, must reference the Vacancy #NIA-IRP-22-04-SL. The first round of reviews is expected to occur on or about May 24, 2022; 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.