Staff Scientist, Division of Preclinical Innovation, Chemical Genomics Branch, Stem Cell Translation Laboratory

Description

NCATS, a major research component of NIH, seeks applications from exceptional candidates to fill a staff scientist position in the Stem Cell Translation Laboratory (SCTL) within the Chemical Genomics Branch of the center’s Division of Preclinical Innovation. The SCTL addresses the top methodological or technical problems that hinder the use of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in drug development. The SCTL also works to quickly deliver the resulting protocols, standards, data and tools to the public.

Core Responsibilities

The successful candidate will play a key role in leading SCTL projects, using their expertise in neurodevelopmental biology to develop and improve hPSC differentiation practices for making cells of neural lineages. These cells are necessary for disease modeling, drug discovery and therapeutic advancement. The selected candidate will develop research initiatives that align with NCATS’ and SCTL’s strategic plans. They should be very creative and work well with teams of people from different disciplines. The candidate will mentor trainees and interact closely with a range of partners. They will also draft manuscripts, publish results in peer-reviewed journals, and present findings at scientific meetings.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in developmental neurobiology and 4 or more years of postdoctoral training in the stem cell and neurodevelopmental biology fields. The candidate must have experience in these areas:

1. Working with human induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPSCs, embryonic stem cells, and/or adult stem cells.
2. Investigating stem cell biology.
3. Differentiating stem cells to develop different neural cell types.
4. Testing small molecules or other modalities and using them to develop therapeutics.

The candidate should have experience as a developmental neurobiologist. In particular, they should have worked with hPSCs and applied their neurodevelopmental background to develop neural differentiation protocols. Candidates should have a strong interest in neurodevelopmental biology and its role in hPSC technologies. This interest should be proven by their publication record.

The selected candidate will:

• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Be able to interpret, summarize and present scientific results clearly and accurately.
• Stay current with advances in neurodevelopmental and stem cell biology.
• Explore and master novel technologies and create and develop new methods.

Salary/Benefits

The salary will be based on qualifications, experience and accomplishments. A full civil service benefits package is available. It includes retirement; health, life and long-term care insurance; and participation in a Thrift Savings Plan (401[k] equivalent).

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in the position to NCATSstemcellhiring@mail.nih.gov. Attach a current curriculum vitae with a complete bibliography and provide contact information for three references.

Application reviews will begin promptly and continue until the position is filled.

Additional Information

A preappointment process (e.g., background investigation, verification of qualifications and job requirements, completion of onboarding forms, and submission of required documents) may determine employment after an offer has been made and accepted.

At your supervisor’s discretion, you may be eligible for workplace flexibilities, which may include remote work or telework options and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the NIH Workplace Flexibilities policy.