Job Posting: Staff Scientist

Summary

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the largest institutes in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and part of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), conducts and supports basic and applied research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. The Comparative Medicine Branch, Division of Intramural Research, NIAID, seeks a Staff Scientist.

NIAID coordinates a national/international program to conduct and support research to improve the understanding of allergic, immunologic, and infectious diseases and to better the means of preventing, diagnosing, and treating illnesses. Much of this research requires laboratory animals and the highest quality of veterinary care is important to the needs of the medical research programs. NIAID has one of the largest, most complex, decentralized and species-diverse research programs in the United States.

Duties

The ideal candidate will have a D.V.M. or equivalent veterinary degree and possess extensive experience overseeing the veterinary care of research animals. The incumbent will be responsible for serving as facility veterinarian for research animals housed in NIAID-operated animal facilities at Poolesville and at Bethesda. As a tier 1 employee, the candidate provides sophisticated, state-of-the art veterinary oversight for the NIAID nonhuman primate colony at the NIH animal center. This candidate will have significant hands-on training in our NIAID facilities alongside the current veterinarian to maintain continuation of NIAID program goals of public safety and complying with legal/federal regulations. This position is responsible for coordination, oversight and study support to all NIAID non-human primate research conducted at the NIH Animal Center. The Experimental Primate Virology Section (EPVS) provides veterinary medical, surgical and research support for nine NIAID laboratories and 20+ projects annually. Successful candidates must have good verbal and written communications skills as they will be responsible for assisting NIAID investigators on creating research animal models, designing infectious disease studies and reviewing manuscript submittals.

In addition, the ideal candidate should possess experience overseeing the veterinary care of research animals used in infectious disease research at Animal Biosafety Level-2 including supporting research using mouse pathogens, transgenic and gene-manipulated animals; maintenance and breeding of compromised and humanized animal models; maintaining, breeding, and problem-solving in unusual/exotic rodent species; and complex rodent-breeding schemes. The incumbent will also be required to perform backup veterinarian duties within our NIAID operated animal facilities at Animal Biosafety Levels-2 and -3.

The incumbent will consult with principal investigators and research staff on veterinary care, animal-related issues, and regulatory issues. The incumbent will participate in protocol review, training sessions for research and technical staff, semi-annual inspections, policy revisions and post-approval monitoring and be responsible for coordinating and providing guidance to ensure full compliance with applicable state and federally mandated guidelines and requirements. The staff scientist will provide support to contract staff including supervisors, veterinary technicians, and animal husbandry staff. The incumbent should have strong clinical and diagnostic skills, as well as experience in rodent and nonhuman primate research support. Another important aspect will be to develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed for the rodent laboratory animal facilities and develop animal care policy and procedures to meet program objectives. This position is vital to ensuring regulatory compliance with pertinent federal, state, and local legislation and NIH-specific policies and guidelines, as well as maintaining Advancement for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) standards of care.

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• D.V.M. or V.M.D. from a college/school of veterinary medicine that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, or a certificate issued by the American Veterinary Association’s Education Commission for Foreign Graduates (ECFVG).
• License to practice veterinary medicine in at least one U.S. state.
• Experience with both old and new world nonhuman primates is preferred.
• Prior surgical experience with nonhuman primates is a plus.
• Specialty board certification by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine. ACLAM board eligibility can be considered if other qualifications are met.
• Post-doctoral degree (M.S., MPH., Ph.D. (preferred)).
• Able to meet background check qualifications for the NIH Biosurety Program and NIH Select Agent Program.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. A full civil service package of benefits may be available.

Appointees may be a US citizen, Legal Permanent Resident or non-US citizen who are eligible for a valid work authorization.

This position is subject to a background investigation.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, 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 candidates should submit the following materials electronically to the ?: https://specializedscientificjobs.nih.gov/nih-ssj.do#/

• Curriculum vitae
• Bibliography
• Three reference letters
• A one-page statement on their background and interests in the position

For more information or questions about the position, email Amy Collins, Committee Manager, Division of Intramural Research Program Support Staff, at [email protected].

DHHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers. Visit NIH Equal Employment Opportunity site for more information.