Job Summary

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, NC is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated Staff Scientist to support the Comparative and Molecular Pathogenesis Branch, CMPB in the Division of Translational Toxicology, formerly known as the Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP). The mission of the DTT is to improve public health through data and knowledge development that are translatable, predictive, and timely. The DTT provides critical data for regulatory and non-regulatory stakeholder decision making to protect human health using epidemiological data, in vivo studies, alternative in vivo model systems, in vitro high-throughput screens and/or computational approaches. To achieve its mission, DTT scientists 1) collaborate with public stakeholders and global partners to identify and address public health issues, 2) generate and communicate trusted information to support decision making on environmental hazards, 3) lead the transformation of toxicology in the development and application of innovative tools and strategies, and 4) educate and train the next generation of translational toxicologists.

DTT's scientific goals are achieved through a distinct, highly cooperative and integrated team science operational model whereby scientific staff across multiple branches assemble into interdisciplinary project teams and utilize centrally managed shared resources, in contrast to the traditional NIH principal investigator-led research group model. The majority of research is carried out through use of external research and development contracts together with onsite intramural research capability. 

CMPB is a key contributor to DTT's efforts to lead the science of toxicology and environmental public health by providing toxicologic pathology leadership and laboratory animal medicine expertise to meet the goals of the DTT using new technologies in biomedical research. A major function of the Branch is to provide a translational and mechanistic context to pathology outcomes with the integration of scientific data across all DTT branches and offices. In addition, CMPB trains pathology and laboratory animal medicine fellows to be leaders in multidisciplinary research. CMPB scientists and staff are responsible for the following general functions: developing new methods, approaches, and technologies in pathology and laboratory animal medicine. In addition, the Branch directs, manages, evaluates, and interprets all pathology data generated during the conduct of DTT toxicity and carcinogenicity studies, directs the DTT laboratory animal medicine program, establishes standards, terminology, and diagnostic criteria for rodent pathology, investigates molecular mechanisms of spontaneous and chemically induced nonneoplastic and neoplastic lesions in DTT studies, leads state-of the-science core pathology laboratories, oversees the scientific activities of the DTT archives and frozen tissue bank, provides diagnostic pathology expertise and collaborations with NIEHS investigators and the NIEHS laboratory animal colony.

Roles and Responsibilities: NIEHS is seeking a staff scientist for Mouse Embryo Phenotyping (MEP) group within CMPB, in DTT, at NIEHS. MEP work is project-driven and supports divisional interdisciplinary investigators to advance its mission of providing broad support and training in mouse embryo phenotyping techniques in support of the NIEHS vision and mission. The scientific goals for MEP are achieved through a distinct and highly cooperative and integrated team science operational model, providing project assistance through the utilization of shared NIEHS Core facilities. A principal role for this position is to assist NIEHS investigators in assigning molecular underpinnings to developmental phenotypes encountered in genetically modified mouse models.

The staff scientist will manage and be the lead contact for all project submissions to the MEP group. The staff scientist partners with a team consisting of a histologist and pathologist with expertise in developmental biology, tissue handling and pathology tailored to embryo phenotyping of genetically engineered mice under study.

 Additionally, the MEP staff scientist collaborates across the Institute to stay abreast of novel approaches and best practices for the integration of information technology and other solutions that may serve to scientifically advance projects submitted to the MEP group. 

As a NIH Title 42(g) Staff Scientist 1, the employee is generally appointed to a time-limited, renewable position. Staff Scientists do not receive independent resources as a principal investigator, although they will often work independently and have sophisticated skills and knowledge essential to the work of the branch.

Required Qualifications

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a research-based professional degree (Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D., D.V.M., or equivalent) in the life sciences. The candidate will have experience in developmental biology, the generation of genetically engineered mice and mouse embryo phenotyping. In addition, the candidate will have demonstrated a strong working knowledge of histology, pathology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, cellular biology, systems biology, and Next Generation Sequencing. As manager, the candidate must take a lead role in guiding and collaborating with NIEHS investigators in the discovery of a phenotype. The candidate should have knowledge and the ability to recommend to investigators and participate in advanced molecular techniques (e.g., spatial transcriptomics) that have the potential to aid in understanding the phenotype and advancing the project. The candidate must have strong leadership, organizational and communication skills to successfully manage the Core, advise, and instruct NIEHS trainees on how to move forward with their respective projects, and to provide advice to senior staff with respect to core facility expertise and operations. 

At the supervisor's discretion, this position may offer work schedule flexibilities. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the HHS Workplace Flexibilities policy. https://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/asa/ohr/hr-library/990-1/index.html

Appointee may be a US citizen, Legal Permanent Resident of non-US citizen who is eligible for a valid work authorization.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants.

Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure

If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency.

Foreign Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Learn more about Foreign Education.

Reasonable Accommodation

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.