The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a significant research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is seeking exceptional candidates for a Staff Scientist position in the Section on Cellular and Cognitive Neurodevelopment (SCCN).

Neurodevelopment is an often-understudied area of neurobiology in determining the origins of diseases and disorders. However, SCCN is conducting a whole gamut of cutting-edge studies on the development of circuits and behavior in the primate brain This includes but is not limited to, molecular, cellular, behavioral, and physiological approaches to understanding how the complex and highly reproducible architecture of the brain emerges, in addition to how minor perturbations during specific epochs of brain development can lead to significant manifestations in adulthood, including neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders.

Responsibilities for this position include:

• The successful applicant will be responsible for performing independent and cutting-edge research on studies related to the role of thalamocortical circuits in the development of cortical networks and function. They will be expected to broaden the technical and intellectual capacity within SCCN and develop cutting-edge tools and resources. In addition, the individual will support and train lab members, establish and conduct collaborative research, attend and present at national and international meetings, and assist in writing manuscripts.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related discipline and significant postdoctoral experience in at least one of the following fields: biological psychiatry, molecular neuroanatomy, molecular biology, cognitive behavior, nonhuman primate neurobiology, MRI, and electrophysiology. Experience and capacity to implement techniques such as transcriptomics, optogenetics, and cell/ slice culture are also preferred.

The Staff Scientist 1 will be appointed at a salary commensurate with their qualifications and experience. In addition, full federal benefits, including leave, health and life insurance, long-term care insurance, retirement, and saving plan (401K equivalent), are available.

The position is open to both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. Applicants must submit a current curriculum vitae, a one-page statement of research interest, and three letters of recommendation to Dr. James A. Bourne via e-mail at: james.bourne@nih.gov .

The position is subject to a background check.

Please submit applications between July 10, 2023 to August 9, 2023. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The NIH is dedicated to building a community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.