Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the largest institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), conducts and supports a global program of research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. The Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity (LNII) in the Division of Intramural Research (DIR), NIAID, seeks an outstanding scientist to serve as a tenure-track/tenure-eligible investigator at NIAID’s Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML) in Hamilton, Montana.

Situated in the scenic Bitterroot Valley of southwestern Montana, with easy access to some of the finest outdoor recreational opportunities in North America, RML has outstanding research facilities that include operational biosafety level (BSL)-3 and BSL-4 laboratories and a new animal facility that can accommodate work with small animal, nonhuman primate, small livestock models, and arthropod vectors. Core facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and expertise in genomics, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, metabolomics, flow cytometry, and bioinformatics are available for all investigators. See more information about RML.

The incumbent will also have access to core facilities and resources located on the main NIH campus in Bethesda, MD, including the NIH Clinical Center (a premier research hospital).

LNII studies pathogens, protein-misfolding diseases, and immune mechanisms that impact the central nervous system (CNS). Current research within LNII focuses on viruses that cause CNS infections in humans, including bunyaviruses, flaviviruses, coronaviruses, and alphaviruses, as well as prions and other transmissible proteinopathies of humans and animals. Specific interests include understanding protein structure-activity relationships and the consequences of pathogen-host interactions to neuronal and glial cell health, cell signaling cascades, and disease development. Additionally, they focus on the development of new diagnostics and therapeutics. See more information about LNII.

The selected candidate is expected to implement and direct an independent basic and/or translational research program that is relevant to pathogenesis or immunology related to human diseases of the CNS. Independent resources from the NIAID intramural research program are committed to the position, including laboratory and office space, support personnel, and an annual budget for services, supplies, and salaries. Although additional funding can be sought from non-NIH sources, it is not required.

Qualifications

U.S. citizenship is not required.

Pay and Benefits

Compensation is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and accomplishments. A complete federal civil service package of benefits (including retirement plans, health and life insurance plans, and Thrift Savings Plans [401k equivalent]) is available.

This position is subject to a background investigation.

To Apply

Interested candidates should send the following to [email protected]:

• Biographical sketch (preferred) and/or a curriculum vitae with bibliography

• Description of the proposed research program (three-page limit)

• Statement regarding how the proposed research plan might complement and augment existing LNII research programs (one-page limit)

• Description of commitment to fostering diversity in biomedical research and a track record of mentoring and outreach activities, especially those involving underrepresented groups, as defined by the Notice of NIH’s Interest in Diversity

• Three letters of reference (sent directly from the referees)

Women and people from other groups underrepresented in biomedical research are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be reviewed starting March 15, 2024 and will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested candidates may contact Dr. Sonja Best, Chief, LNII, at [email protected] for additional information about this position.

Visit NIAID Careers for more information about working at NIAID.

HHS, NIH, and NIAID are equal opportunity employers dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.