Job Posting: Staff Scientist

Summary

The Epigenetics & RNA Biology Laboratory at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Staff Scientist to join the Systems Biology Group led by Principal Investigator Dr. Raja Jothi.

The Systems Biology Group employs pluripotent embryonic stem cell systems and cancer models to investigate transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms that govern cell fate decisions during development and disease. Research in the group integrates molecular biology, genomics and epigenomics, CRISPR-based genome engineering, and computational systems biology to define gene regulatory networks and advance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cancer and related diseases.

Position overview:

The Staff Scientist is a time-limited, renewable NIH appointment intended to provide scientific leadership and technical expertise within a Principal Investigator’s research program. While the position does not include independent budget authority or the initiation of independent research programs, the Staff Scientist is expected to operate with substantial intellectual independence.

The successful candidate will design, execute, and interpret complex experimental studies; lead high-impact research projects aligned with laboratory priorities; mentor postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and other trainees; contribute to manuscript preparation and grant applications; and foster a collaborative, team-oriented research environment.

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates must possess a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, or a related field. Preferred Candidates will have at least 10 years of research experience in the field since earning their doctoral degree. The successful applicant will have demonstrated expertise in embryonic stem cell biology, cancer biology, epigenetics and transcriptional regulation, CRISPR-based genome engineering, and next-generation sequencing technologies (including ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, and related approaches). Extensive experience working with mammalian cell culture systems and mouse models is required. Applicants must have a strong publication record in relevant areas, a demonstrated record of mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, evidence of effective collaboration within multidisciplinary research environments, and excellent written and oral communication skills.

This position is subject to a background investigation.

Please read the following guidance on Selective Service (https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/fair-and-transparent/selective-service) requirements.

Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with experience. A full civil service package of benefits may be available. This position includes full Federal benefits, including participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System, a Thrift Savings Plan (401(k) equivalent), health and life insurance, and paid and annual sick leave.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, and without discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization

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 one combined PDF containing a cover letter, curriculum vitae, bibliography, and a two-page statement of research background and interests to Intramural Applications at [email protected], with their name and Vacancy Announcement Number NR160 in the subject line.

In addition, applicants must also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly to [email protected]. Letters should be on official letterhead, signed, and dated. Referees must include the applicant’s name and vacancy number NR160 in the email subject line.

Incomplete applications or paper applications will not be accepted.

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Humphrey Yao, Search Committee Chair, at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin on April 13, 2026. Applications will be received until position is filled.

DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTHDATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) ON APPLICATION MATERIALS.
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