NIH Postdoctoral Opportunity in Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment for Developmental Neurotoxicity
Click on Apply below to start your application. 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.
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.
The qualified candidate must be 18 years or older at the time of application and should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. A strong candidate will have a background in designing AI or automation solutions, as well. The degree must have been received within the last five years of the appointment start date. Current graduate students who are nearing degree completion may apply but must have completed their degrees by the start of the fellowship. A strong candidate will have a background in designing AI or automation solutions, as well.
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 for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.
A completed application consists of:
- A complete Zintellect profile.
- A program specific application submitted in Zintellect.
- Transcript(s) – Submit a copy of your most recent official transcript. For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic record printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted to complete the application requirement, if you do not have a copy of your official transcript at the time of application. The transcript or academic record must include the name of the academic institution, name of the student, courses completed/in progress, grades and degree expected/awarded. A copy of your official transcript and/or letter showing proof of your degree may be required prior to starting the appointment. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation.
- A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list.
- One Recommendation - Applicants are required to provide contact information for at least one recommendation in order to submit the application. Recommendations should be from professionals who can speak to your abilities and potential for success, as well as your scientific capabilities and personal characteristics. Recommendation requests must be sent through the Zintellect application system. Recommenders will be asked to complete a recommendation in Zintellect. Recommendations submitted via email will not be accepted. Recommendations must be submitted before your application can be reviewed.
All documents submitted must be in English or include an official English translation. All social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth should be removed (blanked out or blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system. Please include the reference code NIH-IATA-2026 for this opportunity in your email.
If you have questions, contact us at NIHprograms@orau.org. Please include the reference code NIH-DPCPSI-ORIVA-IATA-2026 for this opportunity in your email.
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I affirm that I have received my doctoral degree within the last five years or am currently enrolled in a PhD program. If currently enrolled, I understand that my degree must be received before the appointment start date.
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