Systems Toxicology Postdoctoral Fellow, Division of Preclinical Innovation, Toxicology in the 21st Century (Tox21) Program
Description
NCATS, a major research component of NIH, seeks applications from exceptional candidates to fill a postdoctoral fellow position in the Toxicology in the 21st Century (Tox21) program within its Division of Preclinical Innovation. To meet the challenges of toxicology research in the 21st century, NCATS has partnered with the National Toxicology Program, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to form the Tox21 program. Since 2010, this program has utilized a quantitative high-throughput screening approach to assess a 10,000-compound (10K) library using a group of biologically and toxicologically relevant in vitro assays. The data generated from the screening will be used to prioritize chemicals for further in-depth toxicological evaluation, identify mechanisms of chemical toxicity and develop predictive models for in vivo biological response in humans.
The selected postdoctoral fellow should be self-motivated and prepared to work on Tox21 research projects to develop physiologically relevant assays for assessment of environmental chemicals. NCATS provides a unique and exciting environment that employs state-of-art technologies enabling assay development, chemical screening and profiling for toxicology research.
Core Responsibilities
The postdoctoral candidate will develop in vitro cell-based assays using physiologically relevant cell models (primary cells, stem cell/ induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cells, and 3-D cell/organoid models) with biotransformation-capability for screening chemicals. The fellow will apply new technologies including 3-D cell/organoid models and high-content phenotypic profiling using cell-based imaging assays for evaluating chemical toxicity. The fellow will perform follow-up studies (e.g., mechanisms of compound action) after the primary screening. The fellow also will interact regularly with informatics scientists to aid data analysis and interpretation.
Qualifications
Applicants should hold a doctoral degree (M.D., Ph.D. or equivalent) in the life sciences (e.g., toxicology, pharmacology, biology, cell biology, biochemistry or a related field is preferred) with solid understanding of toxicology, cell biology or general aspects of signal transduction. A strong preference will be given to applicants with prior experience in in assay development, including biotransformation-capable assays, imaging technology or compound screening. He or she should possess data analysis skills and familiarity with Excel spreadsheets. The applicant should possess strong oral and written communication skills, with a proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals. The selected candidate should be an independent thinker and a team player who is able to work in an interactive, fast-paced environment. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States for any employer.
Salary/Benefits
Annual stipends are commensurate with experience and based 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 submit a cover letter describing your research and career goals, a current curriculum vitae with a complete bibliography, and provide contact information for three references to Menghang Xia, Ph.D. at mxia@mail.nih.gov. Applicants also should indicate when they are available to start.
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.