Job Summary
The Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research (LSR) is seeking candidates for the position of Staff Scientist. The primary duties will be to conduct research studies on patients and/or healthy volunteers to better understand the brain circuits and mechanisms that support normal visual function, to identify how dysfunction of these circuits gives rise to visual disorders, and/or to develop therapies for the treatment of visual disorders. The Staff Scientist would work independently as well as collaboratively with other scientific and clinical personnel across the National Eye Institute (NEI).
Research in the Laboratory of Sensorimotor Research is aimed at understanding the function of central visual and oculomotor pathways - the processing steps that take place after visual signals have exited the retina. Dysfunctions of these visual pathways underlie many commonly occurring visual disorders, including cerebral visual impairment (CVI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), visual neglect, attention disorders, visual hallucinations associated with decreased vision (e.g., Charles Bonnet Syndrome), and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and related dementias. Central visual functions are also affected by disorders of eye movements and ocular motility (e.g., strabismus and amblyopia), and by primary ocular disorders (e.g., cataracts, achromatopsia, forms of retinitis pigmentosa, and macular degeneration [age-related or early onset]).
The Staff Scientist would use any of a range of techniques including neuro-ophthalmic examination, ophthalmic genomics, visual psychophysics, eye movement measurements, imaging methods (e.g., fMRI, MEG), and data science approaches. They would build an independent research program housed in the clinical center at the NIH and would work collaboratively with other scientific and clinical personnel within the NEI. Depending on the success of the research program, this appointment has the potential to transition to an independent investigator position.
Required Qualifications
The goal of this appointment is to leverage insights of the basic science of the central visual pathways in the LSR toward the translational goals of the NEI. The position could be filled by individuals with training in a variety of disciplines, including basic neuroscience, computation, clinical research, imaging, and psychophysics. Candidates with either an MD or PhD are eligible to apply. Applications will be assessed by LSR scientists in conjunction with the offices of the NEI Director, Clinical Director, and NEI Scientific Director.
Benefits
Salary will be commensurate with research experience and accomplishments, and a full Civil Service package of benefits (including retirement, health, life and long-term care insurance, Thrift Savings Plan participation, etc.) is available.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants.
Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure
If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency.
Foreign Education
This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Learn more about Foreign Education.
Reasonable Accommodation
You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.