Tenure-Track Investigator

TBHP conducts interdisciplinary biobehavioral science focused on optimizing health through a translational, whole-person approach. The Branch integrates basic, clinical, and community-based research to study how cognitive, physiologic, biologic, behavioral, psychological, social, and environmental factors influence disease risk, well-being, symptom management, quality of life, and health outcomes.

The successful candidate will conduct original research and establish a rigorous, innovative program in translational and biobehavioral science. Areas of particular interest include sleep behaviors; oral and gut health and the microbiome; dietary behaviors; biomarkers; advanced analytics; integrated metagenomics and other omics-informed approaches; and health promotion among populations with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

Why this opportunity is distinctive

• Research at the center of clinical discovery: Conduct research in the NIH Clinical Center, the nation's clinical research hospital, where patients, clinicians, scientists, and investigators collaborate to translate discoveries into improved health.
• A whole-person, translational focus: Develop studies connecting biological, physiological, behavioral, psychological, social, and environmental determinants of health to disease risk, resilience, prevention, and health promotion.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Work with investigators across NIH Institutes and Centers and with external partners to design and implement multidisciplinary, interinstitutional studies.
• Access to a rich clinical research environment: Leverage NIH Clinical Center outpatient facilities, laboratory services for biomarker processing, and bench space assigned to the TBHP Branch.
• Training and mentorship: Contribute to NIH's research training mission by mentoring trainees, fellows, and research staff.

What the investigator will do

The Tenure-Track Investigator will establish an independent, high-impact research program that complements and expands TBHP's scientific portfolio. The incumbent will:

• Develop and lead original translational and biobehavioral research that advances whole-person health and health promotion.
• Design and execute clinical and translational studies spanning basic and clinical science, including studies that incorporate biomarkers, microbiome or omics-informed approaches, behavioral measures, and advanced analytic methods.
• Contribute to research focused on oral and gut health, sleep behaviors, dietary intake behaviors, and related determinants of health, with particular interest in populations with AUD.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across the NIH intramural community and with external partners to develop innovative study designs, shared protocols, and meaningful scientific outcomes.
• Mentor trainees and research staff and foster a collaborative, inclusive research environment.
• Help advance standards, methods, and innovative approaches for conducting clinical and community-based research in complex, real-world health settings.

Preferred Candidates

Competitive candidates will bring strong clinical research credentials, scientific independence, sound judgment, and a record of collaborative scholarship. Preferred Candidates will have:

• A Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in biomedical, behavioral, clinical, public health, or a closely related science.
• A strong publication record and evidence of successful scholarship in translational, biobehavioral, health promotion, or related research areas.
• Expertise relevant to oral and gut microbiome science, sleep behaviors, dietary intake behaviors, biomarkers, health promotion, AUD-related populations, or related determinants of health.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams and a clear vision for building and expanding an independent research portfolio within the NIH intramural program.
• Experience with pre-clinical and/or clinical study designs, including the application of biomarkers or integrated biological and behavioral measures.
• A commitment to scientific rigor, mentorship, collaborative leadership, and research that improves health, quality of life, and well-being.
• Appointees may be a U.S. citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, or non-U.S. citizen who is eligible for a valid work authorization.
• This position is subject to a background investigation.
• A pre-employment medical examination is required.

Benefits, location, and application

The position is located on the NIH main intramural campus in Bethesda, Maryland. This is a full-time position requiring an on-site presence with limited ad hoc telework. The selected candidate will be supported with independent resources commensurate with experience and programmatic needs.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with research experience and accomplishments. This appointment offers a full federal benefits package. Additional information is available through the NIH Total Compensation page.

Applications must include:

• A cover letter outlining your interest in the position
• 2-page CV, list of publications
• copies of three major publications
• a minimum of two letters of reference
• and a plan for future research

Applications should be sent to: Mrs. Maretta Creek, Administrative Officer Maretta.Creek@nih.gov

Applications must be received from September 4, 2026 to September 14, 2026

DHHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers. Visit our site for information on NIH's EEO program, reasonable accommodation procedures, laws and policy statements, and the operation of the EEO complaint process.

NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health