Staff Scientist

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is recruiting for a Staff Scientist within its Intramural Research Program (IRP) located in Baltimore, Maryland. The goal of this search is to identify a candidate who will carry out behavioral and pharmacological research using state-of-the-art approaches, including human laboratory experimental medicine studies and randomized controlled trials, under the supervision of Dr.

Lorenzo Leggio, Principal Investigator / Senior Investigator and Chief of the Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology (CPN) Section. The CPN lab was founded by Dr. Leggio, is part of the NIDA IRP Translational Addiction Medicine Branch and is a joint NIDA lab with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Areas of interest of the Leggio lab include the intersection between addictive disorders and neuroendocrine systems, gut-brain axis, and other peripheral-central pathways, with the goal of identifying new targets and treatments.

One of the primary approaches of the lab includes translational inpatient and outpatient human laboratory studies under well-controlled conditions (also referred to as experimental medicine studies). The team further expands their work via collaborative transdisciplinary efforts ranging from basic science (e.g., bench, rodent) that inform patient-centered work, to human pharmacoepidemiological studies.

We are seeking a candidate with a strong commitment to scientific excellence who appreciates the intellectual value of conducting state-of-the-art translational research aimed at developing novel pharmacotherapies and other treatment approaches for people with alcohol and other substance use disorders. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or M.D., or other equivalent doctoral degree. Criteria for selection include extensive experience with clinical trials and human research in the clinical neuroscience field.

In addition, the ideal candidate should have strong skills in the development and execution of clinical studies, as well as with data management and statistical analyses. A strong record of peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national conferences is highly desirable. Demonstrated experience mentoring junior trainees and fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations is also highly desirable. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants.

If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency.

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Learn more about Foreign Education.

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by‑case basis.

The position is open to both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. Interested candidates must submit a curriculum vitae (including bibliography), a one-page summary of research interests, and the names and contact information (work/email addresses, phone) of three references (via pdf or Microsoft word format only – paper applications will not be accepted) to:
Lorenzo Leggio, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Investigator and Chief, Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology & Neuropsychopharmacology Section, NIDA IRP: lorenzo.leggio.

Last Updated: February 26, 2026

02/18/2026–03/26/2026

Commensurate with qualifications and experience