Job Posting: Staff Scientist 1, AI Methods for Regulatory Genomics

Summary

The Division of Intramural Research (DIR) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist to join the Computational Biology Branch (CBB), including the research group led by Dr. Ivan Ovcharenko.

The CBB conducts research in computational biology, genomics, and biomedical data science to address important challenges in biology and human health. Research in Dr. Ovcharenko's group focuses on developing computational methods to identify and interpret functional regulatory elements in the genome. The group integrates comparative genomics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and large-scale multi-omics data analysis to investigate gene regulation, genome function, and the effects of genetic variation on human health and disease.

Duties

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 conduct research in human genomics by developing machine learning and artificial intelligence methods to study gene regulation and identify disease-causing mutations in complex human diseases. Responsibilities include analyzing large-scale genomics and population datasets, publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at scientific conferences, collaborating with NIH and external investigators, mentoring trainees, and applying advances in computational biology and artificial intelligence to support the research program.

Who Can Apply

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• The position is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. NIH also welcomes foreign nationals, except for individuals from restricted countries identified by the Department of State.
• Doctoral degree in quantitative fields, such as computational biology, computer science, bioinformatics, mathematics, or a related field.
• At least three years of relevant postdoctoral research experience with a strong record of peer-reviewed publications demonstrating significant scientific contributions.
• Expertise in regulatory genomics, gene regulation, enhancer and silencer identification, disease genetics, population genetics, and functional genomics.
• Experience analyzing large-scale genomic datasets, including ENCODE, NIH Roadmap Epigenomics, or similar resources, and developing machine learning and deep learning models.
• Proficiency in Python and R, TensorFlow and PyTorch, and GPU-based computing.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate on interdisciplinary research teams, mentor trainees, and communicate scientific findings effectively through publications and presentations.

This position is subject to background investigation.

Please read the following guidance on 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 the 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

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.

How to Apply

The position is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. NIH also welcomes foreign nationals, except for individuals from restricted countries identified by the Department State.

Interested candidates should submit a statement of research background and interests in the body of the email to [email protected] and attach a single PDF containing a curriculum vitae, bibliography, and the names and contact information for three references. Applicants must include their name and Vacancy Announcement Number NLMDIR2026-05 in the email subject line. Applicants must also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly to the application email address. Referees must include the applicant's name and the same Vacancy Announcement Number in the email subject line. Letters must be on official letterhead and signed and dated.

Incomplete applications or paper applications will not be accepted.

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