Postdoctoral Genomic Toxicology

The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health, seeks applications from qualified candidates to fill a postdoctoral position and apply genomic tools to toxicology and pharmacology in the Genomic Toxicology Laboratory within the Center’s Division of Preclinical Innovation (DPI). The Genomic Toxicology Laboratory, led by David L. Gerhold, Ph.D., participates in the Toxicology in the 21st Century (Tox21) program by developing methods to assess the effects of chemicals on human health, focusing on early stages of the translational process from target validation to first-in-human studies. This laboratory also develops novel human cellular 3-D and co-culture models to study cardiovascular disease, as well as neurological and renal disease. DPI researchers collaborate closely with scientists in the 3-D Tissue Bioprinting Program and the Stem Cell Translational Laboratory, as well as the Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases program, other NIH Institutes and Centers, and academic scientists. In addition to conducting cutting-edge laboratory research, DPI scientists work in a team-based environment and collaborate with more than 250 research organizations worldwide.The selected candidate — a self-motivated, collaborative postdoctoral fellow — will complete development and implementation of a novel high-throughput screening method that quantifies expression of selected genes in cultured mammalian cells. The unprecedented throughput of this method will enable screening of large chemical libraries of environmental toxicants or drug candidates. Because quantitative high-throughput screening of large chemical libraries is NCATS’ core expertise, there are abundant collaborative opportunities to apply this method to identify drug candidates and to screen Tox21 toxicant libraries. The successful applicant will work with collaborators who have developed induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC)-derived endothelial cells, as well as 3-D endothelial cell models that incorporate shear flow and co-culture with vascular smooth muscle cells. The postdoctoral candidate also will have opportunities to collaborate with scientists both within and outside of NCATS on additional projects. The selected candidate is expected to present results of ongoing work at meetings (such as internal group meetings and national conferences) and submit their work for publication in scientific journals.

The ideal candidate will possess a doctoral degree (i.e., a Ph.D.) with a background in a relevant field of molecular or medical biology and have a strong record of high-impact publications. Applicants must possess molecular biology expertise and mammalian cell culture skills. Applicants also must possess strong oral and written English communication skills. Applicants with additional expertise in vascular biology or high-throughput screening will receive preferential consideration.                                                                                                                              Applicants must be U.S. citizens, legal residents or possess a valid work permit in order to be considered for the position.
Please submit a cover letter describing your interest in the position; a current curriculum vitae and complete bibliography; and the names of and contact information for three references to David L. Gerhold, PhD., at NCATSGenomicTox@mail.nih.gov