FDA Postdoctoral Fellowship in In Vitro Genotoxicity Testing
Application Deadline
9/25/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
FDA Office and Location: A research opportunity is available immediately with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), The National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) located in Jefferson, Arkansas.
The National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), is the only FDA Center located outside the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The one-million square foot research campus in Jefferson, Arkansas plays an important role in the missions of FDA and the Department of Health and Human Services to promote and protect public health.
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 (xiaoqing.guo@fda.hhs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.
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.
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.
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.
FDA requires ORISE participants to read and sign their FDA Education and Training Agreement within 30 days of his/her start date, setting forth the conditions and expectations for his/her educational appointment at the agency. This agreement covers such topics as the following:
- 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 be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026.
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026 11:59:00 PM.