What are the responsibilities and job description for the NIH Postdoctoral Opportunity in Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment for Developmental Neurotoxicity position at National Institutes of Health (NIH)?
This postdoctoral research opportunity is currently available within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), ORIVA (Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application). This postdoctoral research opportunity seeks to help advance integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATA) for developmental neurotoxicity by improving the interpretation, standardization, and regulatory application of non-animal testing strategies through the integration of in vitro assay data, high-throughput screening datasets, literature, and advanced computational modeling approaches.
What will I be doing?
The participant will gain advanced knowledge in developmental neurotoxicity (DNT), predictive toxicology, and integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATA) used in regulatory science. The participant will develop skills in evaluating and integrating multiple data sources, including DNT in vitro battery (IVB) results, scientific literature, toxicological datasets, and high-throughput screening data. Practical experience will include applying the OECD IATA framework, interpreting non-animal testing data, and using computational approaches such as physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) modeling and in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE). The participant will enhance analytical, collaborative, and scientific communication skills through interdisciplinary learning to advance standardized and human-relevant approaches for DNT assessment and downstream regulatory decision-making.
Why should I apply?
As a participant in a STEM research participation program, you will learn about different NIH support mechanisms and different collaborative research programs involving NIH, how to use various NIH databases and modalities for data analysis, how to identify metrics and key indicators needed to evaluate any program, how to compare success between different types of collaborative research programs, and how to make recommendations for future programs based on the available data, under the guidance of a mentor.
Where will I be located?
Fellows are expected to be fully engaged, either in-person or hybrid, at Research Triangle Park, NC.
What financial provisions will I receive?
The selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend to help offset living and other expenses during this appointment. Stipend rates are determined by NIH officials and are based on the candidate’s academic and professional background. In addition, NIH may provide a health insurance supplement to cover the monthly premium costs if you elect the ORAU/ORISE health insurance plan, as necessary.
What is the length of the appointment?
The appointment will initially be for one year but may be renewed annually up to four additional years upon recommendation of NIH and is contingent on the availability of funds.
When are selections made?
An initial review of applications will occur on July 1, 2026. Thereafter, applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis throughout the 2026 calendar year, and selections made as projects for participation become available.
What is the Nature of the Appointment?
This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Participants do not become employees of NIH, DOE, ORISE, nor ORAU, and there are no employment-related benefits.
Salary : $88,000