Staff Scientist

Job Summary

The Cell and Developmental Biology Center (CDBC), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), is recruiting a Staff Scientist in the Laboratory of Protein Trafficking and Organelle Biology.

Who We Are

The Cell and Developmental Biology Center aims to understand the molecular interactions inside cells that build the organelle systems that support basic and specialized functions to control cell fate and behavior. Researchers combine biochemical, molecular, cellular, genetic, and quantitative approaches to investigate fundamental biological processes across a range of organisms, including fish, flies, mice, mammals, microbes, and viruses.

Within the CDBC, the Laboratory of Protein Trafficking and Organelle Biology focus on understanding how cells sense, respond, and adapt to a variety of stress conditions, including nutrient deprivation, organelle damage, and pathogen infection. The team includes a multi-disciplinary and highly interactive team of researchers addressing how alterations in mTOR, TFEB, TFE3, and lysosomal function lead to human disease. The laboratory also seeks to identify potential sites for therapeutic intervention suitable for further evaluation in translational and clinical research efforts. For more information visit: https://irp.nih.gov/pi/rosa-puertollano

The NHLBI Division of Intramural Research is located on the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. The Protein Trafficking and Organelle Biology laboratory and the CDBC’s basic science laboratories are housed in the Louis B Stokes building and have access to state-of-the-art core facilities. All NHLBI researchers have extraordinary opportunities to leverage the extensive resources and expertise across NIH’s Intramural Research Program to perform interdisciplinary and collaborative research from bench to bedside.

Required Qualifications

Staff Scientists serve as laboratory leaders who contribute to training and mentoring of all laboratory members. The position requires outstanding interpersonal skills, teamwork, and excellent oral and written communication abilities. The CDBC Staff Scientist must have a doctoral degree, postdoctoral research experience, and an outstanding publication record. Requisite expertise includes cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, and advanced light microscopy.   This position is classified as a Staff Scientist | NIH Office of Intramural Research within the federal government. A Staff Scientist is an NIH employee generally appointed to a time-limited, renewable position to support the long-term research of a Principal Investigator. Staff Scientists often work independently and have skills and knowledge essential to the work of the laboratory. This position will include the opportunity to present research at meetings and conferences within and outside of NIH and to participate in relevant professional development training. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Training and expertise in cellular biology. Expertise in advanced microscopy imaging. Knowledge of organelle cell biology (lysosomes, autophagy, intracellular trafficking), and a commitment to conducting related high-quality research. Experience with animal models. Demonstrated experience in staff training and mentoring, and outstanding communication and time management skills. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent; have completed formal mentored postdoctoral training in either molecular biology, cellular biology, or biochemistry; and have a strong publication record.

  Benefits The successful candidate will serve in a non-competitive appointment in the excepted service. Appointees may be U.S. citizens, resident aliens, or non-resident aliens with or eligible to obtain a valid employment-authorized visa. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. A full benefits package is available, including a retirement plan; health insurance, life insurance, and long-term care insurance; annual and sick leave; and Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent).

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

How to apply

Interested applicants should send a current Curriculum Vitae with a complete list of publications and a cover letter highlighting key qualifications, experience and career goals, and names and contact information of three references to: Rosa Puertollano, PhD; Senior Investigator at puertolr@mail.nih.gov

Applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged. Appointees may be U.S. citizens, resident aliens, or non-resident aliens with or eligible to obtain a valid employment authorized visa. This position is subject to a background investigation.