NIH Postdoctoral Opportunity in Advancing PBPK Modeling of Fetoplacental Exposure

This postdoctoral research opportunity is available within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), ORIVA (Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application). The role aims to generate quantitative data on placental transfer, permeability, and tissue-specific exposure to improve Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models, enabling the translation of in vitro toxicity findings into predictive assessments of human in vivo exposure.

Responsibilities

• Develop practical skills in advanced cell culture and human-relevant placenta-cardiomyocyte co-culture systems, including experimental design, compound exposure studies, and quantitative assessment of placental transfer and fetal tissue exposure.
• Train in laboratory techniques such as permeability and transfer kinetics assays, concentration-response analysis, microscopy, biomarker assessment, and data acquisition using relevant analytical platforms.
• Receive training in mitochondria, metabolism, and multiomics approaches.
• Learn how generated experimental data can be applied in PBPK model parameterization, model refinement, and validation under mentor guidance.
• Strengthen critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific communication, and data interpretation skills within the context of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for human-based risk assessment.
• Explore and understand various NIH support mechanisms and collaborative research initiatives.
• Gain insight into NIH databases and tools for data analysis, including identifying metrics and key indicators for evaluating programs.
• Assess outcomes of different types of collaborative research programs, compare their effectiveness, and develop informed recommendations for future initiatives.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must have received a doctoral degree in a relevant field within the last five years of the appointment start date. Current graduate students nearing degree completion may apply but must complete their degree by the start of the fellowship.
• Must have cell culture experience, ideally with placental or cardio physiology and/or modeling.
• Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should review the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens for acceptable immigration statuses.

Benefits

• Monthly stipend based on academic and professional background.
• Health insurance supplement may be provided to cover monthly premium costs if the ORAU/ORISE health insurance plan is elected.

Schedule

• Fellows are expected to be fully engaged in-person at Research Triangle Park, NC.
• Appointment is initially for one year but may be renewed for up to a total of 5 years, contingent on the availability of funds.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the 2026 calendar year, with selections made as projects become available.

Application Details

A completed application consists of:

• A complete Zintellect profile.
• A program-specific application submitted in Zintellect.
• Transcript(s): Copy of your most recent official or unofficial transcript (must include institution name, student name, courses, grades, and degree information). Official transcript and/or proof of degree may be required prior to starting the appointment.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list.
• One recommendation from a professional who can speak to your abilities, potential, scientific capabilities, and personal characteristics. Recommendations must be submitted through the Zintellect system.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation. Remove all sensitive personal information (e.g., social security numbers, student IDs, dates of birth) before uploading.