The Spatial Navigation and Memory Unit within the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is now seeking a staff scientist to join their team.
The Spatial Navigation and Memory Unit studies the neural mechanisms underlying spatial navigation & memory to uncover the fundamental principles of brain computation and how these mechanisms are disrupted in neurological disorders. To do this, we use large-scale in vivo recording, optogenetics and circuit manipulation, transcriptomics and molecular profiling, rodent spatial navigation and memory behavior experiments, as well as computational neuroscience, population dynamics analysis, and theoretical and dynamical systems modeling.
This Staff Scientist will play a leading role in advancing our research mission and is intended for an accomplished scientist who can contribute to our projects through the proposing, designing, and execution of research tasks. They will also be expected to provide scientific leadership, mentorship, and technical expertise to members of the laboratory.
Candidates will work closely with Dr. Gu to guide research efforts and develop new experimental directions aligned with the laboratory’s goals. Specifically, the Staff Scientist will be expected to lead independent research projects studying the neural mechanisms of spatial navigation and memory, conduct experiments using mouse models of neurological disorders associated with cognitive deficits, and perform in vivo recording experiments, including imaging and/or electrophysiology, to further analyze the subsequent complex neural datasets.
This scientist will also be expected to improve in vivo recording in freely moving live and other analytical methodologies relevant to our laboratory. As such, they should be prepared to collaborate with investigators across NINDS and NIH, prepare manuscripts for publication, and present laboratory findings at scientific meetings. They will also be expected to supervise, train, and mentor junior laboratory members, including postbaccalaureate fellows, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.
Potential applicants must have a PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience or a closely related field. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cellular and molecular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, circuit neuroscience, and/or computational neuroscience. Preferably, candidates will have demonstrated expertise in advanced imaging and/or electrophysiological approaches, experience with in vivo two-photon microscopy, and a strong record of peer-reviewed publications showing scientific innovation and technical accomplishment. Experience supervising trainees and coordinating collaborative research projects, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills, are also highly desirable.
At NIH, a 'Staff Scientist' is a central member of research teams who typically oversees the scientific and mentoring aspects of a Principal Investigator’s research program. Staff Scientists provide direct supervision of laboratory trainees and work closely with their PI to guide the long-term direction of research projects. Opportunities also exist for Staff Scientists to develop independent research initiatives within the scientific scope of the laboratory. For more information about NINDS and the NIH Intramural Research Program, please visit here . For more information about the Gu laboratory, please see here . Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience. This staff scientist appointment will be through the Title 42 mechanism. Additional information about NIH pay and benefits can be found here .
The position is subject to a background investigation.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply.
