FDA Postdoctoral Fellowship in In Vitro Genotoxicity Testing

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Arkansas; On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience

Mentorship from experienced scientists

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is offering a Research Project opportunity focused on developing a New Approach Methodology for quantitative mutagenicity assessment. Researchers will work on 3D human HepaRG spheroid cultures, advanced sequencing, and risk assessment methodologies.

This multifaceted fellowship provides a structured educational experience with mentorship from an interdisciplinary team. Candidates with a doctoral degree in relevant fields and interest in modernizing toxicology are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree within the last 5 years.
• Experience or knowledge in genetic toxicology and regulatory science is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Engage in multidisciplinary project focused on quantitative mutagenicity assessment.
• Analyze concentration-response relationships using BMC modeling.
• Participate in bioinformatics analyses and scientific reporting.

Skills

Analytical Chemistry

Bioinformatics

Computational Biology

Regulatory Science

Genotoxicity

Education

Doctoral Degree in relevant fields

Job description

Research Project

You will engage in a multidisciplinary collaborative project focused on developing and evaluating a human‑relevant New Approach Methodology (NAM) for quantitative mutagenicity assessment. The project aims to integrate three‑dimensional (3D) human HepaRG spheroid cultures, error‑corrected sequencing (ECS), benchmark concentration (BMC) modeling, and in‑vitro‑to‑in‑vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) to support quantitative risk assessment of chemicals relevant to public health. Collaborative activities may include:

• Participate in the design and optimization of 3D human HepaRG spheroid–based experimental systems for the evaluation of chemical‑induced mutagenicity using advanced ECS technologies.
• Analyze concentration‑response relationships using quantitative BMC modeling and IVIVE approaches for translating in‑vitro findings into human‑relevant administered equivalent doses for risk assessment applications.
• Participate in bioinformatics analyses, data integration, scientific reporting, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of research findings through presentations and publications.

Learning Objectives

This fellowship will provide you with a structured educational experience that integrates laboratory research, computational analysis, quantitative modeling, and regulatory science training. You will receive mentorship from an interdisciplinary team of scientists with knowledge in genetic toxicology, genomics, bioinformatics, risk assessment, and regulatory science. Through this integrated training experience, you will gain exposure to cutting‑edge methodologies that are increasingly important for modernizing toxicology and supporting evidence‑based regulatory decisions. The fellowship will provide you with extensive opportunities for professional growth and career development in the fields of genotoxicity, mutagenicity, computational biology, and regulatory science. Through active participation in a collaborative research environment, you will strengthen both technical and scientific competencies while gaining valuable experience in translational regulatory research.

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Xiaoqing Guo ([e-mail]).

Appointment Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 1, 2026 (Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors).

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for two years, 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.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026.

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‑U.S. Citizens, who have resided in the U.S. for a total of three of the past five years.

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026 11:59 PM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
    • Analytical Chemistry
    • Bio‑inorganic Chemistry
    • Bio‑organic Chemistry
    • Biophysical Chemistry
    • Chemistry (General)
    • Environmental Chemistry
    • Inorganic Chemistry
    • Materials Sciences
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Physical Chemistry
    • Polymer Chemistry
    • Theoretical Chemistry
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
• Affirmation: I am a U.S. citizen, or I have lived in the United States for at least 36 months within the past 60 months. I have read the FDA Ethics Requirements.

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 Non‑employee Scientists.

Additional Conditions

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.