Job
Staff Scientist
Organization
National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD and surrounding area
Scientific focus area
RNA Biology
The Oberdoerffer laboratory is seeking a highly motivated Staff Scientist to lead and support studies focused on the role of RNA modifications in mRNA translation, translational fidelity, innate immune sensing, and therapeutic mRNA design.
About the position
The Oberdoerffer laboratory combines RNA biochemistry, molecular biology, and quantitative cell biology approaches to investigate how nucleotide modifications shape gene expression and protein production in physiological and therapeutic contexts. This prospective staff scientist will play a major role in designing and executing multidisciplinary research projects that shape the long-term scientific direction of our laboratory.
Responsibilities include experimental design, data analysis, manuscript preparation, mentoring junior trainees, and contributing to collaborative projects within the NIH intramural research community. Candidates can expect to design and conduct experiments involving modified RNA synthesis and characterization, as well as develop and optimize IVT mRNA workflows, including nucleotide modification strategies and delivery approaches. They will also perform quantitative nucleoside and nucleotide analysis using LC–MS/MS-based methods and conduct in vitro translation assays and mechanistic studies of translational control and ribosome dynamics.
Other jobs include applying molecular and cellular biology approaches including RNA analysis, RT-qPCR, western blotting, flow-cytometry, and cell culture. The staff scientist can expect to support studies of innate immune signaling and RNA sensing pathways through the analysis and interpreting of complex datasets with rigorous statistical and experimental approaches. This scientist will also be expected to lead collaborative projects, contribute to manuscript writing, as well as mentor postbaccalaureate fellows, graduate students, and/or postdoctoral trainees in the laboratory.
Apply for this vacancy
What you'll need to apply
Interested applicants should send a curriculum vitae and bibliography, a statement of their research interests and accomplishments, and the contact information of three professional references, as a single PDF document, to Dr. Shalini Oberdoerffer at the email below.
Contact name
Shalini Oberdoerffer
Contact email
Qualifications
Prospective applicants should hold a Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical biology, RNA biology, or a related field and have more than 5 years of postdoctoral research experience.
Candidates should also have expertise in the following areas:
- RNA modification biology and epitranscriptomics
- Synthetic and therapeutic mRNA systems
- LC–MS/MS analysis of nucleosides and nucleotides
- In vitro transcription and RNA biochemistry
- Ribosome biology and translational control
- In vitro translation systems
- RNA delivery approaches including lipid nanoparticles or electroporation
- Innate immune signaling and RNA sensing pathways
- Advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques
Ideally, the candidate will also have demonstrated scientific creativity, strong organizational and communication skills, and a proven ability to lead collaborative projects independently. Experience mentoring trainees and a strong publication history is required.
Disclaimer/Fine Print
U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply. NIH welcomes foreign nationals with the exception of individuals from this list.
View more jobs
View all jobs-
Staff Scientist
A Staff Scientist position is now open in the Neurogenetics Branch at the NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
-
Staff Scientist (multiple vacancies)
The National Institute on Aging, a major research institution of the National Institutes of Health, is now recruiting seven (7) Staff Scientists to its Intramural Research Program in Baltimore, MD.
-
Staff Clinician
The Office of the Clinical Director, Dr. David Goldman, within the NIH National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, is now seeking a highly motivated Physician to fill a Staff Clinician position in Bethesda, Maryland, USA.