Jobs and Training Opportunities at the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)
NCTR is dedicated to supporting the FDA mission to protect and promote public health by conducting innovative and interdisciplinary research. Individuals with a scientific or administrative background are encouraged to join us in making a difference in the lives of Americans.
Current Vacancies
Any vacancies for the National Center for Toxicological Research will be listed below.
- Histotechnician, Toxicologic Pathology Associates (TPA)
(Will be posted until filled)
Postdoctoral Fellow Opportunities
- FDA Postdoctoral Fellowship in Skin Research
Contact: Luisa.Camacho@fda.hhs.gov
The goal of this project is to evaluate the performance of alternative skin models to predict the dermal absorption of products of interest to the FDA. The fellow will play a primary role in the design and conduct of laboratory research using a range of skin models and techniques, including cell culture, in vitro permeation testing, lipid and gene expression analysis, histology, and barrier function tools, as well as data analysis and reporting. The fellow will integrate a multi‐disciplinary team and work in close collaboration with other researchers at NCTR and regulators from FDA product centers. The fellow will be actively encouraged to present the research at internal and external meetings and to publish the findings in peer‐reviewed journals. - FDA Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Nanotechnology
Contact: Anil.Patri@fda.hhs.gov
Postdoctoral fellowship opportunities are currently available within NCTR’s Nanotechnology Core Facility. The selected participant will collaborate on multi‐disciplinary research efforts that may include development of novel methods for the physicochemical characterization and detection of nanoscale materials, including micro‐ and nano plastics, and development and validation of novel methods to isolate and identify nanomaterials in complex matrices. Through this project, the participant will develop skills in: Nanomaterial Synthesis, Chromatography (GCMS, HPLC, SEC, AFFF), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), particle size analysis (multiple methods including dynamic light scattering (DLS), x‐ray photon cross correlation spectroscopy (XPS), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and laser diffraction), Raman spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. - Studying the developmental toxicity associated with early life exposure to cannabinoids, opioids, and nicotine using human neural stem cells and differentiated neural cells
Contact: Fang.Liu@fda.hhs.gov
The goal of this project is to understand the relative risk of exposure to different opioids and cannabinoids on neurodevelopment. Since drugs are often taken in combination, this work will evaluate the “real world” impact of these drugs by considering their possible additive and synergistic effects in culture. The candidate will be involved in cell culture, experiment performance, and data analysis and interpretation. Prior experience in cell culture studies, especially in primary cells and iPSCs, as well as developing and performing assays to evaluate the neurotoxicity of agents is desired. - Studying the neurotoxic effects of in utero exposure to analgesics and antipyretics in the guinea pig and rat
Contact: John.Talpos@fda.hhs.gov
The successful candidate will gain experience in performing large‐scale regulatory style research with the aim of reducing uncertainty about the risk associated with the use of drugs during pregnancy. These projects will be performed in rats and guinea pigs and focus on histological, immunohistological, molecular, and behavioral endpoints of neurotoxicity. The candidate will interact with researchers who are focusing on secondary endpoints related to liver function and sexual development. The candidate will be trained in planning experimental exposures and the timing of tissue collection; tissue preparation, imaging, and analysis; data analysis and reporting. - FDA Postdoctoral Fellowship in Breast Cancer Research
Contact: Kelly.Harris@fda.hhs.gov
The goal of this project it to evaluate the anti‐cancer effect of FDA‐approved epigenetic drugs in human triplenegative breast cancer cell lines. The candidate will play a direct role in the design, conduct, analysis, and reporting of laboratory research while developing skills in cell culture, next‐generation sequencing, assay development, and bioinformatics. The candidate will be encouraged to present their research internal and external scientific meetings and to publish their finding in peer‐reviewed journals. Primary experience in cell 2D and 3D culture, and basic molecular techniques are required. - FDA Postdoctoral Fellowship in Genetic and Molecular Toxicology
Contact: Yiying.Wang@fda.hhs.gov
The candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) on current and prospective research endeavors focusing on developmental toxicity investigations. Specifically, the research will assess the hazards linked to drug transfer across the placental barrier onto the developing embryo/fetus, employing a placental–embryonic microphysiological system. Collaboration with FDA investigators at NCTR and counterparts in other FDA centers will be integral to the role. Throughout the project, the candidate will be actively supported to present research findings at both internal and external forums and to publish outcomes in peer‐reviewed journals.
See www.usajobs.gov for all federal vacancies.
NCTR Education and Training Programs
NCTR provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, postgraduate scientists, scientists from other countries, college/university faculty members, and others to obtain hands-on laboratory experience by working with experienced scientific researchers. These training opportunities are available in the following areas:
- Faculty Research Program Information about the ORISE Faculty Research Program and its affiliation with NCTR.
- Foreign National Training Program Information about the ORISE Foreign National Training Program and its affiliation with NCTR.
- Graduate Certificate in Regulatory Science Graduate Certificate in Regulatory Science information page.
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program Information about the UAMS Interdisciplinary Toxicology (INTOX) Program and its affiliation with NCTR.
- Postgraduate Research Program Information about the ORISE Postgraduate Research Program and its affiliation with NCTR.
- Science Internship Program Information about the ORISE Science Internship Program at NCTR.
- Summer Student Research Program Summer Student Research Program (NCTR)