Postdoctoral Fellow (Neurotoxicologist), Genomic Toxicology Laboratory, Division of Preclinical Innovation
Description
NCATS, a major research component of NIH, seeks applicants for a postdoctoral fellowship (neurotoxicologist) position in the Genomic Toxicology Laboratory in the center’s Division of Preclinical Innovation (DPI) in Rockville, Maryland. Led by David L. Gerhold, Ph.D., this laboratory studies the effects of chemicals on human health as part of the Toxicology in the 21st Century (Tox21) program. The cutting-edge work focuses on early stages of the translational process, from target validation to running first-in-human studies. Researchers use novel human cellular 3-D and co-culture models to study diseases of the heart, kidney, and nervous system. DPI works closely with the 3-D Tissue Bioprinting program, Stem Cell Translational Laboratory, Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases program, and other NIH institutes and centers. DPI scientists also work with more than 250 academic and research organizations worldwide.
Core Responsibilities
The chosen candidate will work with Dr. Zhi-Bin Tong to use genomic tools in toxicology and pharmacology-related research projects in the Genomic Toxicology Laboratory. He or she also will focus on finding and classifying chemicals that cause or lead to neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. Research in this laboratory has found likely pathways in neurons and led to a high-throughput screening method to locate chemical toxicants in chemical libraries (Tong et al. 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022). The fellow will describe the mechanisms of these neurotoxicants and will be able to work with scientists both within and outside of NCATS on toxicology, genomics and translational projects. The fellow will present results of ongoing work at meetings (such as internal group meetings and national conferences) and submit their work for publication in scientific journals. Postdoctoral fellows gain additional skills and are exposed to a variety of career paths through the DPI training program.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate should have a Ph.D. with a background in the fields of molecular or medical biology and a strong record of high-impact publications. Applicants should have skills in mammalian cell culture and data analysis. Applicants also should have strong oral and written English communication skills and be able to work in a team setting.
Applicants should be U.S. citizens or legal residents or should hold a valid work permit.
Salary/Benefits
Annual stipends are based on experience and on the NIH Postdoctoral Intramural Research Training Award and Visiting Fellow scale; medical insurance coverage will be provided. The fellow also may participate in Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences courses at NIH. The position is renewable for up to 5 years.
How to Apply
Please send the following to NCATSGenomicTox@mail.nih.gov:
- A cover letter describing your interest in the position
- A current curriculum vitae and complete bibliography
- Contact information for three references
Application reviews will begin promptly and continue until the position is filled.
Additional Information
A preappointment process (e.g., background investigation, verification of qualifications and job requirements, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents) may determine employment after an offer has been made and accepted.
At your supervisor’s discretion, you may be eligible for workplace flexibilities, which may include remote work or telework options and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the NIH Workplace Flexibilities policy.