Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP)
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
NIEHS is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated scientist to serve as Chief of the Biomolecular Screening Branch (BSB) in the Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP) at NIEHS. The mission of the DNTP is to evaluate environmental substances of public health concern by developing and applying tools of modern toxicology and molecular biology. The DNTP provides critical data for regulatory and non-regulatory stakeholder action to protect human health using rodent studies, alternative in vivo model systems, in vitro high-throughput screens and computational approaches to gauge the potential of thousands of substances to perturb biological targets and pathways.
The scientific goals of the DNTP are achieved through a distinct and highly cooperative and integrated team science operational model whereby scientific staff across multiple branches in the DNTP self-assemble into 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 a limited amount of onsite intramural laboratory research capability. The governance of projects that use DNTP resources are centrally approved by management.
A key component of the DNTP efforts to advance the science of toxicology is the Biomolecular Screening Branch (BSB). The BSB mission is to:
- Develop, evaluate, and apply new approaches and screening methods for characterizing the biological effects of agents of public health concern.
- Develop and communicate best practices to integrate these approaches into DNTP and the broader toxicological community to protect public health.
- Serve as a scientific resource in support of the DNTP and the toxicological community.
In order to accomplish this mission, the goals of the BSB include to:
- Develop improved computational compound characterization approaches.
- Develop medium- and high-throughput and medium- and high-content screening assays for the rapid detection of biological activities of significance to toxicology.
- Develop assays and approaches to understand the genetic and epigenetic bases for differences in susceptibility.
- Develop computational tools and approaches to allow for an integrated assessment of data generated using these screening approaches with findings from traditional toxicology models and human studies.
While focusing on these goals to advance toxicology in the 21st century, the BSB also provides traditional toxicological support to the DNTP testing activities through in vitro and short-term in vivo testing (e.g. genotoxicity testing and short-term targeted toxicogenomic studies), with the goal of developing and implementing improvements to accepted toxicological testing approaches.
The successful applicant will possess detailed scientific knowledge in an appropriate specific area, and a general understanding of genomics, molecular biology, computational biology, genetic toxicology, systems biology, pathology, bioinformatics and toxicology to enable the incumbent to devise and implement a strategic framework for developing, evaluating and implementing new technological approaches and screening methods to the study of the toxic effects of environmental exposures on human health. The successful applicant will be internationally recognized as an expert in the development and use of new approach methodologies in toxicology, with demonstrated experience leading successful scientific research programs, large, multi-institutional programs and providing leadership in international consortia.
The ideal candidate for this position will have a professional research-based degree (Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D., or D.V.M.) in the life sciences, with experience in in vitro molecular and cellular biological model systems, high-throughput screening approaches and the application of genomic approaches to the study of environmental effects on human health. The successful candidate must demonstrate the strategic and visionary leadership for identifying and matching new scientific technologies with the needs of the DNTP, while also understanding the limitations of data generated through these new approaches for public health decision-making. Salary will commensurate with experience. A full civil service package of benefits (including health insurance, life insurance, and retirement) is available. This position is restricted to U.S. citizens.
How to Apply
Applications for this position will be accepted via USAJOBS. Please check back for specific dates and the link for this recruitment. There will be a 10-day window to apply for the position. Applicants should submit the following: cover letter highlighting key qualifications; current curriculum vitae with complete bibliography; and names and addresses of three references. Please include in your CV a description of your mentoring and outreach activities, especially those involving women and racial/ethnic or other groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research. For questions or additional information on this recruitment, please contact Dr. Robert C. Sills.
Commitment to Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity
The NIH NIEHS encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. 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 factors. NIH NIEHS will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities as appropriate. If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us.
Foreign Education
Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the United States must provide an evaluation by an accredited organization to ensure its equivalence to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For more information on foreign education verification, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. Verification must be received prior to the effective date of the appointment.
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Do not include your birth date, social security number (SSN), or personal photograph on application materials. DHHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers.
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