Job Vacancy Announcement – Staff Scientist

Program Overview

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is seeking exceptional candidates for a Staff Scientist position in the Division of Intramural Research Programs, Rodent Behavioral Core (RBC). The RBC is a state-of-the-art behavioral testing facility open to NIH investigators to conduct behavioral studies and behavioral phenotyping in rodents directed towards understanding pathological and abnormal states of brain and behavior. Behavioral neuroscience links systems-level circuitry to behavior, cognition and emotion and is thus critical for understanding the problems associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. The goal of the RBC is to provide the necessary support to design and implement a behavioral study in rodents. This includes: 1) access to rodent behavioral testing equipment and emerging technologies, 2) expertise and guidance in the planning, execution, and analysis of rodent behavioral research, and 3) an outstanding research environment that provides infrastructure, education and resources to foster collaborations between investigators.

Position Overview

The ideal candidate should be an experienced scientist capable of generating novel approaches to solve complex problems, and a leader capable of fostering innovation in others in a highly collaborative atmosphere. The candidate will have broad experience in the area of behavioral neuroscience with expertise in behavioral pharmacology, rodent behavior, automated behavioral analysis, information technology/computing, and expertise in programming.  In this role, the candidate will provide all the necessary support to design and implement a behavioral study in rodents, and work with staff to innovate, design, refine or test new experimental approaches to facilitate experimental brain studies. Proficiency in R and with scripting languages such as Python and MatLab, and knowledge in 3D tracking, machine learning and computer vision approaches to quantifying rodents’ behavioral activity is essential. Successful candidates should be able to effectively communicate research ideas, have excellent interpersonal skills and is expected to be a key member of the Rodent Behavioral Core contributing to the design of new studies, development of analytical methods, and the mentoring of students, trainees and fellows.

Qualifications

Candidates must have earned a Ph.D. or M.D. in behavioral neuroscience or a related discipline and at least four years’ postdoctoral experience in the general area of physiological psychology, neurobiology, or psychopharmacology.

Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.  In addition, full Federal benefits, including leave, and a thrift savings plan (401K equivalent), will also be provided.  See: https://hr.nih.gov/benefits .

How to Apply

The position is open to US citizen, Legal Permanent Resident or non-US citizen who are eligible for a valid work authorization. Applications from women, persons from underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged. The position is subject to a background investigation. Applications will be received until position is filled.

Interested candidates should submit a Curriculum Vitae including bibliography including examples of scientific recognition (e.g. awards, honors, and outside activities), a one-page statement of research interests, and two letters of recommendation to Dr. Yogita Chudasama via e-mail at NIMHIRPSearch@mail.nih.gov with the subject line stating Staff Scientist (RBC).

Applications will be accepted until position is filled

DHHS, NIH  and NIMH 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.