The Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory (CDBL), Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National
Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS) in Frederick, Maryland, is recruiting a Staff Scientist with demonstrated expertise in
bioinformatics and computer science. The candidate will work in collaboration with CDBL principal
investigator (PI) labs on analysis and integration of bioinformatic and quantitative developmental
biology data.
The candidate will be embedded in the CDBL: a diverse, interactive, collaborative, and highly supportive
basic science-focused department. The candidate will work with CDBL PI teams in support of their
studies. There are currently six CDBL PIs: Jairaj Acharya, Ira Daar, Erin Davies, Mark Lewandoski, Susan
Mackem and Terry Yamaguchi. Primary responsibilities will be to consult and provide bioinformatics and
computational support for CDBL PI teams using high throughput sequencing (e.g., bulk and single-cell
RNAseq, ChIPseq, ATACseq, HiC) and mass spectrometric methods (e.g., metabolomics, lipidomics,
proteomics). To enhance exposure to state-of-the-art computational approaches, the recruit will also
maintain an affiliation with the CCR Cancer Data Science Laboratory (Eytan Ruppin, Chief), which
specializes in bioinformatic/computational approaches.
The Staff Scientist position is the equivalent to a Senior Research Associate position in academia. A Staff
Scientist is an NIH Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) employee generally appointed to a time-limited, renewable
appointment. Staff Scientists do not receive independent resources, although they often work
independently and have sophisticated skills and knowledge essential to the work of the laboratory.
Salary is commensurate with education and experience. A full benefits package is available, including
retirement, health insurance, life insurance, long-term care insurance, annual and sick leave, and Thrift
Savings Plan (401K equivalent). This position is not restricted to U.S. citizens.
As a condition of employment, all federal employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. During
the onboarding process, if selected, you must provide proof of vaccination. An official job offer and
continued employment is contingent on this requirement. For more information on this requirement,
visit the Safer Federal Workforce page on vaccines. If you need a COVID-19 vaccine, please
visit Vaccines.gov.
Due to COVID-19, we are currently operating in a maximum telework state. If selected, you may be
expected to telework. As employees return to the office, you may be required to report to the location
listed on this announcement within 30 calendar days of receiving notice, even if your home/temporary
telework site is located outside the local commuting area. At the discretion of the supervisor and NIH
policy, you may be eligible for workplace flexibilities, which may include remote work or telework
options, and/or flexible work scheduling.
Qualifications
A strong background in computational skills is essential, including familiarity with Unix OS; programming
languages such as R, Python, Perl; biostatistics; machine learning; algorithms. Some background in
developmental biology is also highly desirable. Analyses may include bulk and single-cell transcriptomics,
chromatin structure and epigenetic data, whole genome sequencing and multi-omics data integration.
Analyses may use existing bioinformatics pipelines or may require development of new computational
approaches.
The position requires the ability to work semi-independently on multiple projects and to interact closely
with, and be highly responsive to, the CDBL research teams. The Staff Scientist will be an integral part of
the the research teams, will meet regularly with the PIs, will make informal presentations in PI lab and CDBL
meetings, and participate in the writing of manuscripts. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. or equivalent
doctoral degree, as well as a strong record of publications that provide evidence of their collaborative
abilities and expertise.
Please send your cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of research goals, summary of research
experience and the names and contact information for five references to Erin.Leatherman@nih.gov.