Translational Science Interagency Postdoctoral Fellowship (FDA/NIH)

The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, a major research component of the National Institutes of Health, invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow position through the Translational Science Interagency Fellowship (TSIF) program, a three-year long training program between NCATS and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This fellowship provides both translational research opportunities at NCATS and regulatory training at the FDA. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of 3D tissue engineering, skin toxicology and regulatory science, with direct exposure to the development and application of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for chemical safety assessment.

This fellow will be co-mentored by multiple investigators at NCATS and will contribute to generating high-quality chemical irritant datasets using 3D full thickness skin models to support collaborative predictive toxicology and QSAR modeling efforts for chemical safety assessments. Fellows will also have an opportunity to learn about the regulatory process at the FDA.

Fellows are expected to spend three years in combined training at the FDA and NCATS. The exact timing of the transition between the two agencies will be project and mentor dependent. However, responsibilities of this position include:

• Developing, optimizing and validating 3D full thickness (FTS) skin models for chemical irritation and sensitization testing
• Conducting high-throughput-compatible screening studies using FTS models and evaluate relevant endpoints such as tissue viability, barrier function assessment and cytokine profiling
• Generating, curating and analyzing high-quality datasets to support predictive toxicology applications
• Participating in collaborative efforts integrating biological assay datasets into predictive QSAR and computational toxicology workflows
• Collaborating closely with interdisciplinary scientists, bioinformatics, and regulatory science colleagues at FDA
• Presenting research findings in internal meetings and external scientific conferences and contribute to peer-reviewed publications

Prospective applicants should possess a Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Cell Biology, or a related discipline with demonstrated hands-on experience in primary cell culture, tissue engineering, in vitro toxicology or related experimental approaches. Experience working with 3D tissue models, skin biology, high-content screening or biomarker analysis is preferred. Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to both work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment are essential. Experience with quantitative data analysis or familiarity with QSAR modeling or predictive toxicology approaches is beneficial, but not required. This position is not eligible for full-time remote work. NIH does not permit trainees to telework from overseas locations.

Applicants must have a Ph.D., M.D. or other doctoral degree in a related discipline or have documentation that all degree requirements will be completed before the start of the fellowship in September 2026. Assurance to this effect must be supplied in writing by the chair of the dissertation committee for Ph.D. candidates or the dean of the medical school for M.D. candidates. Applicants must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States at the time of application and must have resided in the United States for three of the last five years. Applicants must be within two years of their terminal degree and have no more than two years of prior postdoctoral training before joining this fellowship program.

Applicants must also be able to pass a federal background check using Standard Form-85. Section 14 of the form asks, “In the last year, have you used, possessed, supplied or manufactured illegal drugs?” The question pertains to the illegal use of drugs or controlled substances in accordance with federal laws, even though permissible under state laws.

Applicants will be required to complete a conflict-of-interest assessment. If an NCATS/FDA Translational Science Interagency Fellow, to include their spouse and minor children, reports what is identified as a Significantly Regulated Organization (SRO) or prohibited investment fund financial interest in any amount, or a relationship with an SRO, except for spousal employment with an SRO, and the individual will not voluntarily divest the financial interest or terminate the relationship, then the individual is not placed at the FDA. For additional requirements, see here for the FDA Ethics for Nonemployee Scientists.