Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
National Institute of Mental Health
Division of Intramural Research Programs
Tenure-Track/Tenure Eligible Investigator
Computational Neuroscientist
The Division of Intramural Research Programs (DIRP) of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), invites outstanding individuals to apply
for a tenure-track/tenure eligible position in computational neuroscience. The NIMH DIRP has one of the largest systems and clinical neuroscience research communities in the world. Research groups work across species including drosophila, mice, rats, monkeys
and humans. Facilities include a state-of-the-art high-performance computing facility as well as a rodent behavior core and high-field neuroimaging. The DIRP is a highly interactive research environment, and there are numerous opportunities for collaborative
research within NIMH as well as with the broader NIH community.
The successful individual will create and direct an independent research program on theoretical models of brain mechanisms of behavior. Example areas of research include but are not
limited to -- reinforcement learning; decision making; theoretical accounts of neuromodulatory systems including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine; nonlinear dynamical systems; and neural plasticity and learning. We are particularly interested in individuals
who have a demonstrated interest in computational psychiatry, developing models of human psychopathology, and collaborations with clinical groups focused on mental illness within the DIRP and broader research community. Research programs should focus on theory
development but may also include experimental work that tests theoretical models. The unique investigator-based DIRP research support package encourages the development of a coherent, long time-horizon scientific program focused on generating deep insights
into complex problems.
Candidates must have earned a Ph.D. or M.D. and will have demonstrated experience as an outstanding independent investigator. An individual selected for the position is expected to
build a dynamic and productive research laboratory, mentor and train scientists, and make use of the excellent opportunities for collaborative, translational, and high-risk/high-reward science available at the NIH. Laboratory space and startup funds, access
to shared research facilities, and on-going research support are competitive with premier academic institutions. Salary is commensurate with experience and accomplishments and a full Civil Service package of benefits (including retirement, health, life and
long-term care insurance, and a Thrift Savings Plan) is available.
Applicants should send a curriculum vitae (CV), bibliography, statement of research interests, and three letters of reference to: Susan G. Amara, Ph.D., National Institute of Mental
Health, c/o Jane Schriver via email to Jane.Schriver@nih.gov, indicating “ Computational Neuroscientist Recruit”
in the subject line. Please include in your CV a description of your mentoring and outreach activities, especially those involving women and persons from racial/ethnic or other groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research. Applications will begin
to be reviewed in August 2020 and continue until the position is filled.