The National Eye Institute (NEI) seeks an outstanding scientist to lead a vigorous, innovative research program in vascular-retinal neurobiology that encompasses the basic mechanisms of signaling and trophic interactions among retinal neurons, glia, and endothelial cells. Preference will be given to candidates whose research is related to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, for example, links between angiogenesis/vasculogenesis and neurogenesis or the interactions between retinal cells and surrounding epithelial or vascular-associated cells leading to retinal or choroidal pathology.

This Tenure-Track/Tenure position is available within the Division of Intramural Research, NEI, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The position comes with generous start-up funds, and continuing support will be provided directly from NEI intramural research program funds. The successful candidate will occupy laboratory space in the newly constructed Porter Neuroscience Research Center on the main NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC. This building houses an integrated group of investigators from a diverse set of NIH Institutes, including the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). The research interests of these investigators include basic neurophysiology, developmental neurobiology, neurodegenerative disease, tumor cell biology, and stem cell biology. There are unparalleled opportunities for strong interdisciplinary collaborations among these independent research groups and with other investigators throughout the NIH. In addition, NEI is building strength in basic and clinical research on retinal diseases, with additional tenure-track/tenure recruitments in genetics and retinal and macular neurodegeneration. In this environment, the successful candidate is expected to develop an independent, world-class program of research. Salary commensurate with research experience and accomplishments. A full Federal package of benefits (including retirement, health, life and long term care insurance, Thrift Savings Plan etc) is available.

Applicants should submit curriculum vitae, bibliography, copies of three major publications, a summary of research accomplishments, a brief statement of future research goals, and three reference letters to:

Kimberly Ruzickova, Staff Assistant
Office of the Scientific Director
National Eye Institute
Building 31, Room 6A22
31 Center Drive MSC 2510
Bethesda, MD 20892-2510
Telephone: 301-451-6763
E-mail: Ruzickok@nei.nih.gov

Completed applications must be received and/or postmarked by September 15, 2004.