Microbiologist, Microbiology Service, Department of Laboratory Medicine

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) invites candidates with strong leadership credentials and a proven record of interdisciplinary collaborations to apply for the position of Microbiologist, Microbiology Service, Department of Laboratory Medicine at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD. The Clinical Center Department of Laboratory Medicine provides comprehensive and cutting-edge laboratory medicine support for the clinical care of patient-volunteers in the Clinical Center and provides collaborative support for the translational research being conducted by NIH investigators. The Clinical Center’s Microbiology Service provides state-of-the-art diagnostic and consultation services, supports the clinical research programs, and conducts research in the fields of microbiology and infectious diseases. The Service consists of seven sections: Specimen Processing, Bacteriology, Mycobacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology, Molecular Diagnostics, and Genomics. The laboratory has been a pioneer in the development of innovative infectious disease diagnostics. In addition, we have an American Society for Microbiology CPEP-approved program in Medical and Public Health Laboratory Microbiology. The Microbiology service currently consists of 39 staff members including the Chief of Microbiology, four senior doctoral level microbiologists, and seven doctoral level scientists and post-doctoral fellows.

Applicants must possess a M.D./Ph.D. or an equivalent doctoral degree and an established record of outstanding research accomplishments, scientific leadership, mentorship, and service within the basic and/or clinical scientific community. Candidate will serve as a primary investigator or project member for research projects of broad and complex scope to address problems that are exceptionally difficult to resolve as part of critical clinical investigations and/or require unconventional or novel approaches or adaptation of complex research techniques. The incumbent spends time performing research work. The percentage varies dependent on the research and testing and development work priorities. Research results may include a major research advance; progress in areas of exceptional interest to the scientific community; significant changes in theories, methods, and techniques; and/or contributions that respond to important questions in the field. The investigator will maintain knowledge of the latest advances in microbiology and infectious diseases, identify critical gaps in knowledge in the field, design studies to investigate the identified scientific questions, oversee the research conducted by research staff, interpret the data, and publish the significant findings. The research staff may include research technologists and/or PhD research scientists and/or postbaccalaureate or postdoctoral intramural research fellows (IRTAs). The research may involve advances in diagnostics related to new instrumentation such as mass spectrometry or next generation sequencing and/or may be derived from the complex infectious diseases and unique host-pathogen interactions seen in patients treated at the Clinical Center.

Salary/Benefits: Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with the experience of the candidate. A full package of Federal Civil Service benefits is available, including retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent). Please read the following guidance on Selective Service requirements.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA): Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is a core competency for the Clinical Center (CC) so candidates are required to submit a diversity statement describing their commitment to promoting DEIA as evident in a track record of activities within their resume/cover letter. If invited for an interview the candidate will be required to describe their record of promoting diversity and inclusion such as, but not limited to, mentoring individuals from underrepresented groups, participating in mentoring programs designed to promote diversity, and DEIA-related outreach activities.

Equal Opportunity Employment: Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, with no discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.

Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure: NIH inspires public confidence in our science by maintaining high ethical principles. NIH employees are subject to Federal Government-wide regulations and statutes as well as agency-specific regulations described at the NIH ethics website. We encourage you to review this information. The position is subject to a background investigation and requires the incumbent to complete a public financial disclosure report prior to the effective date of the appointment.

Foreign Education: Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the United States must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is equivalent to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. We will only accept the completed foreign education evaluation. For more information on foreign education verification, visit the https://www.naces.org(external link) website. Verification must be received prior to the effective date of the appointment.

Additional Information: HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, studies emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

Reasonable Accomodations: NIH provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.