Program Director, Pre-clinical Screening Platform for Pain

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Division/Office/Branch
NIH HEAL Initiative

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is a leading supporter of biomedical research on disorders of the brain and the nervous system at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Preclinical Screening Platform for Pain (PSPP) is a NINDS/NIH-funded, preclinical screening program with a mission to facilitate the discovery of new non-opioid, non-additive therapeutic agents addressing unmet medical needs in pain. The PSPP is part of the NINDS Division of Translational Research (DTR) which has a mission to facilitate the discovery and development of new therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders.  To achieve this goal NINDS is seeking creative Health Scientists for the PSPP program. 

The Health Scientist Administrators within PSPP will be responsible for managing a portfolio of preclinical projects and will work with external participants and contractors to evaluate test candidates (small molecules, biologics including gene therapies, natural products or devices) in a suite of relevant assays, including in vitro assays, pharmacokinetics, side effect profile, analgesic efficacy, addictive potential, and other non-behavioral in vivo endpoints.  A background in neuroscience is required.  Experience with in vivo pharmacology and/or pain studies would be helpful. Experience in drug discovery and development/pharmacology/industry experience would be highly desirable.

There are two positions available within PSPP.  These positions will be filled under a Title 5 GS-601-14 and Non-Supervisory GS-15 appointment. Having a Ph.D. is a requirement for these positions. Salary is commensurate with the experience and a full package of Civil Service benefits is available, including retirement, health and life insurance, leave, and savings plan (401K equivalent).

**Interested candidates should send a current CV and letter of introduction describing experience and interest in this position to Dr. Smriti Iyengar, Program Director. Application materials will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.**

Who May Apply:  

You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National to be considered for this position. Foreign nationals or legal permanent residents are not eligible for consideration.  Selection for this position is dependent upon successful referral from a Health Scientist Administrator announcement (GS-13/14 and Non-Supervisory GS-15 position) on the website USAJOBS.

All information provided by candidates will remain strictly confidential and will not be released outside the search process without a signed release from candidates. HHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers.

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