FDA Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mechanistic Studies of Male Reproductive Toxicity at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

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 a critical role in the missions of FDA and the Department of Health and Human Services to promote and protect public health.

Research Project

This fellowship is embedded within a multidisciplinary research program at NCTR's Division of Biochemical Toxicology investigating the mechanistic basis of cannabidiol (CBD)-induced male reproductive toxicity in mice, directly supporting FDA's regulatory evaluation of CBD-containing products.

• Collect and analyze RNA sequencing data, applying bioinformatics pipelines for differential gene expression and pathway enrichment analysis.
• Compare the ex-vivo data with existing in-vitro data to investigate cross-platform concordance.
• Collaborate in the generation and analysis of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based internal dosimetry data.
• Contribute to spatial distribution analyses using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-MSI).

Learning Objectives

• Receive structured training in toxicity and mechanistic study design and the principles and regulatory context of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).
• Gain knowledge of the FDA drug review process and the role that nonclinical data play in this process.
• Present research findings to federal stakeholders, including FDA and NIEHS (the funding agency for this fellowship) and at national scientific conferences.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed manuscripts and scientific reports.
• Gain experience with public data deposition practices that reinforce FDA's commitment to transparency and open science.

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Luisa Camacho (Luisa.Camacho@fda.hhs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

The anticipated appointment start date is November 1, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length

The appointment will initially be for one year, 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.

Education

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.

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 is anticipated to be received by the appointment start date.