Description

The Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (RDBL) within the Division of Intramural Research of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is recruiting a Tenure-Track Investigator specializing in Reproductive Immunology. For detailed information, the full job posting is here.

Scientists within the RDBL (https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/rdbl) use basic research to understand important biological principles in the context of reproductive and developmental health at a fundamental level. They translate insights from these studies into applied testing systems and inform clinical research and practice. Reproductive system disease and dysfunction are of great public health concern. Many reproductive disorders have unknown etiologies, and environmental factors are likely contributors. Preventing or reducing environmentally associated reproductive disease or dysfunction requires research that clarifies underlying biological mechanisms and identifies key molecular targets.

Environmental exposures can disrupt immune system function, contributing to inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system including endometriosis, ovarian or uterine fibrosis, and reproductive tract cancers as well as immune-related reproductive disorders like preterm birth, and infertility. As a first line of defense against environmental insults, the immune system plays a critical role in reproductive health, pregnancy maintenance, and parturition. We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to establish an independent research program to investigate the role of the immune system during pregnancy and/or parturition and its implications for reproductive and long-term health outcomes. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing our understanding of: 1) The role of the immune system in the basic mechanisms governing pregnancy establishment, maintenance, and parturition; 2) The developmental origins of health and disease, particularly as influenced by immune-environment interactions; and 3) The development and application of human cell-based models to assess environmental impacts on pregnancy and human development. 

This is a rapidly expanding field that has matured sufficiently to provide reliable models of various developmental processes across many mammalian model systems. This research has extraordinary utility for the NIEHS mission and would both strengthen and take advantage of our considerable expertise in epigenetics (Epigenetics and RNA Biology Laboratory), reproductive biology (RDBL), cell signaling (Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory), and new approach methodologies (Division of Translational Toxicology). 

The successful candidate is expected to lead an innovative, independent research program exploring the mechanisms of reproductive immune responses that enhances our understanding of the effects of the environment on human health. Investigators in the NIH intramural program have no formal teaching duties and minimal administrative responsibilities. They are funded internally (no grant-writing required) with the potential for generous long-term continuous support. In exchange, they are expected to engage in high-impact research with students, postdoctoral fellows and support staff, and collaborations with their colleagues to solve important scientific problems related to the Institute's mission. Excellent start-up funds, salary, and benefits packages will be provided to the selected applicant who will also have access to state-of-the-art research core facilities and computational resources. (https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/facilities/index.cfm). The NIEHS is located in the Research Triangle Park, a world-renowned academic research center in North Carolina well-known for its high quality of life and its proximity to top-tier universities.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have a Ph.D., M.D. and/or equivalent doctoral degree with a preference for at least 3 years of postdoctoral research experience and an outstanding publication record. The emphasis will be on identifying an exceptional scientist with plans for an innovative and productive research program. Appointees may be U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or non-residents of the U.S. with, or eligible to obtain, a valid employment-authorization visa.

Salary/Benefits:

The successful candidate for this position will be appointed at a salary commensurate with experience and accomplishments.  Full Federal benefits will be provided, including retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and a savings plan (401(k) equivalent). Please read the following guidance on Selective Service (https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/fair-and-transparent/selective-service) requirements.