Associate Service Fellow (Research Biologist)

Location: Morgantown, WV
Apply by: June 28, 2024

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the agency Americans trust with their lives. As a global leader in public health, CDC is the nation’s premier health promotion, prevention, and preparedness agency. Whether we are protecting the American people from public health threats, researching emerging diseases, or mobilizing public health programs with our domestic and international partners, we rely on our employees to make a real difference in the health and well-being of our people here and around the world.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) invites fellowship applications for a full-time Research Biologist to work in the Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch (TMBB). This position is with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Health Effects Laboratory Division (HELD), located in Morgantown, WV.

Position

This is a full-time position being offered as part of the CDC service fellowship program under Title 42 of the U.S. Code. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible. CDC service fellows are considered federal employees with most of the rights and benefits provided to permanent employees. The initial fellowship appointment will be for three to five years with potential for renewal based upon performance and available NIOSH funding.  Salary will be based on education and experience. Fellows will be eligible for government health and retirement benefits.

Job Description

This fellowship provides an opportunity to study the health effects of exposures associated with work environments.

Duties

The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Conduct experimental studies to evaluate the neurological risks associated with exposure to aerosolized chemicals, particulate material, and engineered nanomaterials, using biochemical, genomic, proteomic, and transgenic technologies.
• Characterize biological pathways associated with neural injury to unravel novel biomarkers of neural injury that can serve as valuable tools for hazard identification and biomonitoring.

Basic Qualifications

Education:

Degree Experience: This position requires a degree with a major study in an academic field related to biological sciences, natural resource management, or related disciplines appropriate to the work of the position. In addition, must have a master’s degree with one year or more postgraduate experience equivalent to the next lower grade level related to the work of the position; or PhD with no postdoctoral experience.

Note: Degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.

Highly qualified candidates would possess the following:

• Recent Ph.D. in neuroscience, toxicology, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology (within the past 2 years).
• One year of postdoctoral experience.
• Experience in basic neurobiological, toxicological, molecular (real-time PCR, gene expression assays, immunoblotting), and histopathological (neurohistology, immunohistochemical assays) techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to work professionally in a team environment.

Basic Requirements

• Both US citizens and non-US citizens are eligible to apply
  • Note: Non-US citizens meeting the above degree and specified specialized experience requirements are eligible for noncompetitive appointments under this appointing authority. Citizens of countries on the Non-Aligned list (including China, India, and Switzerland) are eligible for this appointment. Citizens of countries that have been determined by the U.S. Secretary of State to be State Sponsors of Terrorism will not be able to obtain a security clearance to work at CDC and should not be considered for this appointing authority. Countries currently on this list include: North Korea, Iran, Sudan, and Syria.
• Successful completion of a background investigation
• Up to 5% domestic travel may be required

This position has an education requirement: Upon request, you must 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; however, official transcripts will be required prior to receiving an official offer. Failure to submit transcripts or indicated college courses information will cause loss of consideration for this position.

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

For further information, review the new hire information page.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

• Cover letter or statement of interest
• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
• Unofficial transcript(s) *required*
• Contact information for three references (one personal, two professional)

EEO Policy

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.

How to Apply

Include all required documentation listed above and add the position you are applying to in the subject line of the email and send to: NIOSH Recruitment at NIOSHJobs@CDC.gov by 11:59 PM EST June 28, 2024. 

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed and there will be interviews. If selected, the following documentation will be required:

• Official transcripts issued directly to the CDC (these may be sent to the program or to HR by the school).
• Two letters of recommendation from outside CDC (dated within one year).
• Human Resources, in coordination with the program office, will notify the selectee and negotiate the effective date of the position.

Visit our pathways page to learn more about public health training and fellowships at CDC.

Visit our employment page to learn more about occupational safety and health opportunities at NIOSH.