Biology Postdoctoral Position, Division of Preclinical Innovation, Early Translation Branch
Description
NCATS, a major research component of NIH, seeks applications from exceptional candidates to fill a postdoctoral position in the Early Translation Branch (ETB) of its Division of Preclinical Innovation. Part of the ETB’s mission is to develop new therapeutic approaches in areas of medical need. The branch partners with external collaborators who specialize in specific disorders, creating a multidisciplinary team of innovative scientists with expertise in assay development, high-throughput and high-content screening, automation engineering, bioinformatics and various -omics technologies.
The selected postdoctoral fellow will work under the mentorship of a biology team leader in an interactive laboratory environment within the ETB. He or she will use cutting-edge cell biology and bioassay technologies to develop disease-relevant screening assays and will be involved in all aspects of implementing small molecule screening programs, including assay design, assay development and optimization, high-throughput screening, data analysis, and mechanism-of-action studies to develop assay technologies and novel pharmacological probes.
Core Responsibilities
The postdoctoral candidate will work on a project that includes the study of an understudied target class of enzymes, with the goal of SAR profiling the target class to promote probe development. Successful candidates will have a background in biochemistry, molecular biology, or cellular biology. Enzymology experience is preferred. Experience with drug screening and informatics are useful, but not required. The trainee will learn to work in a team-based world-class drug discovery environment. He or she will keep accurate and complete records of all scientific experiments according to established procedures and ensure that these records and raw data are properly retained. He or she also will draft technical reports and manuscripts and will present their work internally and to external collaborators as needed.
Qualifications
Applicants should have (or expect to receive) a Ph.D. and have less than three years of postdoctoral experience in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline. Applicants interested in furthering their knowledge and exposure to translational science are encouraged to apply; prior high-throughput screening experience is not a prerequisite. The selected candidate should be an independent thinker and a team player who is able to work in an interactive, fast-paced environment. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States for any employer.
Salary/Benefits
Annual stipends are commensurate with experience and based on the NIH Postdoctoral Intramural Research Training Award and Visiting Fellow scale; medical insurance coverage will be provided. The fellow also may participate in Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences courses at NIH. The position is renewable for up to 5 years.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter describing your research and career goals, a current curriculum vitae with a complete bibliography, and provide contact information for three references to NCATS ETB Careers at ncatsetbcareers@mail.nih.gov. Applicants also should indicate when they are available to start. Please note that the starting date of the fellowship is flexible, preferably within 2023.
Application reviews will begin promptly and continue until the position is filled.
Additional Information
A preappointment process (e.g., background investigation, verification of qualifications and job requirements, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents) may determine employment after an offer has been made and accepted.
At your supervisor’s discretion, you may be eligible for workplace flexibilities, which may include remote work or telework options and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the NIH Workplace Flexibilities policy.