NIH Postdoctoral Advancing PBPK Modeling of Fetoplacental Exposure

Description

This postdoctoral research opportunity is available within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application (ORIVA). The position focuses on generating 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.

• Develop practical skills in advanced cell culture and human‑relevant placenta‑cardiomyocyte co‑culture systems, including experimental design and compound exposure studies.
• Conduct quantitative assessment of placental transfer and fetal tissue exposure.
• Perform laboratory techniques such as permeability and transfer kinetics assays, concentration–response analysis, microscopy, biomarker assessment, and data acquisition using relevant analytical platforms.
• Gain training in mitochondria, metabolism, and multi‑omics approaches.
• Apply experimental data to 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.

• Minimum age 18 years.
• Doctoral degree in biochemistry, biology, physiology, pharmacology, or related field; degree received within the last 60 months.
• Experience with cell culture, preferably placental or cardiovascular physiology, and/or pharmacokinetic modeling.
• Current graduate students nearing completion of their degree may apply, provided they obtain their degree by the start of the fellowship.

This opportunity is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals with valid immigration status. Non‑U.S. citizens should review the Guidelines for Non‑U.S. Citizens Details page for accepted immigration statuses.

Monthly stipend to offset living and other expenses, with the stipend rate determined by NIH officials based on academic and professional background. NIH may provide a health insurance supplement to cover the monthly premium costs if the participant elects the ORAU/ORISE health insurance plan.

Location:

Fellows are expected to work in person at Research Triangle Park, NC.

Appointment length:
Initially one year, renewable upon NIH recommendation and availability of funds, for up to a total of five years.

References, transcripts, CV, and recommendation requirements are detailed in the application portal. Eligibility criteria and statement of affirmation are required to complete the application.

NIH is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds.