FDA Postdoctoral Fellowship in Breast Cancer Research

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Arkansas; On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education offers a postdoctoral fellowship in the FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research, Division of Biochemical Toxicology, located in Jefferson, Arkansas. The fellow will conduct peer‑reviewed laboratory research focusing on toxicities, chemical risks, and new techniques to support regulatory risk assessment.

The role emphasizes training in cell culture, sequencing, bioinformatics, and reporting, with opportunities to contribute to scientific

Qualifications

• PhD in toxicology, biology, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or related field.
• PhD within the last five years or expected by 12/31/2026.
• Experience with wet-lab research and data presentation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Train in the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of laboratory research.
• Enhance communication by writing reports and presenting results of experiments.

Skills

Data analysis

Wet lab techniques

Bioinformatics

Education

Doctoral degree (PhD)

Tools

Next-generation sequencing

Cell culture techniques

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

Application Deadline

11/6/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

FDA Office and Location

A postdoctoral fellowship opportunity is currently available in the Division of Biochemical Toxicology at the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) located in Jefferson, Arkansas. Funding for this opportunity will be provided by the Office of Commissioner (OC), Office of Women's Health (OWH).

Research Project

This opportunity is in the Food and Drug Administration, National Center for Toxicological Research, Division of Biochemical Toxicology, which primary mission is to conduct peer-reviewed research and develop new scientific tools for the FDA to improve public health. The overall research in this Division is focused on measuring the toxicities and risk of cancer related to specific chemicals and the introduction of new techniques to enable regulatory agencies to evaluate better the risks associated with exposure to chemicals.

Learning Objectives

• Train in the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of laboratory research while developing skills in cell culture, next-generation sequencing, assay development, and bioinformatics.
• Enhance your communication skills by participating in the writing of reports and publishable scientific papers, as well as taking part in oral presentations on the design and results of research and experiments.

Mentor

The mentors for this opportunity are Kelly Harris ([e-mail]) and George Hammons ([e-mail]). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentors.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2026/2027.

Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of FDA and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation

The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Program Administration

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and FDA. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Participants do not become employees of FDA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

Background Investigation

Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at FDA. OPM can complete a background investigation only for individuals, including non-US Citizens, who have resided in the US for a total of three of the past five years.

FDA Ethics Requirements

If an ORISE Fellow, to include their spouse and minor children, reports what is identified as a Significantly Regulated Organization (SRO) or prohibited investment fund financial interest in any amount, or a relationship with an SRO, except for spousal employment with an SRO, and the individual will not voluntarily divest the financial interest or terminate the relationship, then the individual is not placed at FDA. For additional requirements, see FDA Ethics for Nonemployee Scientists.

Education

• Non-employee nature of the ORISE appointment;
• Prohibition on ORISE Fellows performing inherently governmental functions;
• Obligation of ORISE Fellows to convey all necessary rights to the FDA regarding intellectual property conceived or first reduced to practice during their fellowship;
• The fact that research materials and laboratory notebooks are the property of the FDA;
• ORISE fellow’s obligation to protect and not to further disclose or use non-public information.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g. toxicology, biology, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or related areas). The doctoral degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date, or be currently pursuing and anticipated to receive by 12/31/2026.

Preferred Skills

• A strong background in planning and conduct of wet lab research, data analysis, and presentation of findings is desired. Primary experience in cell 2D and 3D culture, and basic molecular techniques are highly desired.

Point of Contact

Ashley

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (
  • Bio-organic Chemistry
  • Chemistry (General)
• Engineering (1 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (11 )
    • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).

Affirmation

I am a U.S. citizen, or I have lived in the United States for at least 36 out of the past 60 months. (36 months do not have to be consecutive.)

and

I have read the FDA Ethics Requirements.