Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging
Intramural Research Program
Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (CARD)
CARD Research Fellowship Program


The National Institute on Aging (NIA) Intramural Research Program (IRP), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is seeking applications from highly motivated individuals for the Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (CARD) Research Fellowship Program located in Bethesda, MD.

CARD is a collaborative initiative between the NIA and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) that supports basic, translational, and clinical research on Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD). CARD’s central mission is to initiate, stimulate, accelerate, and support research that will lead to the development of improved treatments and prevention for these diseases. The new Center, which features a state-of-the-art facility and cutting-edge technology, serves as a collaborative hub for research in the AD/ADRD space, leveraging the highly collaborative and collegial nature of the Intramural Research Program.

The CARD Research Fellowship Program provides postdoctoral scientists an opportunity for significant exposure to performing and leading state-of-the-art biomedical research and a platform with which to design and build their portfolio of research and scientific management skills as they seek a fully independent position. The CARD Research Fellow will play a substantial role in the design and implementation of a research direction and program in the space of AD/ADRD. Research Fellows do not receive independent resources, although they are expected to work independently and have sophisticated skills and knowledge essential to the work of the Center.

Over the period of the fellowship, the successful applicant will gain significant training in and exposure to managing resources, designing and running independent research programs, and seeking funding and support for their own research goals. The successful candidate will have access to CARD resources and the expertise of CARD personnel to execute established and proposed research initiatives. The research direction of the successful candidate(s) will be guided by the Director of CARD, relevant Principal Investigators, and a mentoring committee of subject matter experts. The successful candidate will be interacting with the scientists from the IRP and the scientific community at large.

While applications are not limited to the current areas of work listed on the CARD website, they must be aligned with the mission of CARD and in the space of AD/ADRD. In general, CARD research programs should be highly complementary and interrelated, so synergy with existing programs will be a key factor in evaluating applications. Current CARD programs can be found at the CARD website (https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/card).

A Research Fellow is a NIH Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) employee who is on a time-limited, renewable appointment. While the duration of this appointment may be dependent on a number of factors, an initial appointment is typically 2-3 years. Candidates for the CARD Research Fellowship Program must have no more than four years of postdoctoral experience at the time of application.


Eligibility

The successful individual must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, genetics, genomics, or related fields, with productive postdoctoral experience as demonstrated by outstanding scholastic achievement and the ability to successfully conduct laboratory research with minimal supervision, as evidenced in publications and through letters of reference. At the time of application, candidates must have no more than 4 years of postdoctoral research experience. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents (green card, resident aliens), or foreign nationals with a valid employment-authorized visa.

Application Materials:

Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, bibliography, statement of research interests and goals (not to exceed three pages), mentoring and diversity statement (indicate specific activities or accomplishments to promote diversity and inclusion of women and persons from other underrepresented groups in biomedical research (not to exceed one page), and two letters of recommendation to Sarah Lewis, Supervisory Management Analyst, Office of the Scientific Director, National Institute on Aging, Vacancy #CARD-23-05-SL via email at cardjobs@mail.nih.gov. Applications, including letters of recommendation, must reference the Vacancy #CARD-23-05-SL. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled and will be reviewed on a rolling, monthly basis.

Additional Information:

Salary is commensurate with experience and accomplishments. A full Civil Service package of benefits (including retirement, health, life, and long-term care insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, etc.) is available. All employees of the Federal Government are subject to the conflict-of-interest statutes and regulations, including the Standards of Ethical Conduct.


DHHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers.

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.