FDA Postdoctoral Fellowship in Comparative Toxicological Evaluation of Tobacco Smoke and ENDS

Overview

Opportunity available immediately with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), The National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) located in Jefferson, Arkansas. The NCTR is the only FDA Center located outside the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. This fellowship supports the mission of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by generating high‑quality data on the health effects of tobacco product exposures.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), The National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), Jefferson, Arkansas.

FDA‑NCTR‑2026‑0006

11/20/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

You will engage in research focused on the comparative toxicity of tobacco products, including combustible cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) such as JUUL. You will participate in the design and execution of controlled exposure studies using automated smoking and aerosol generation systems/robots coupled with specialized exposure chambers. Studies involve repeated exposure schedules throughout the week, followed by systematic analysis of biological endpoints.

You will collaborate with researchers to investigate functional and toxicological responses to exposures, including epithelial integrity, cellular viability, and physiological function. Your activities include analyzing ciliary beating frequency, measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and evaluating cytotoxicity and metabolic activity through LDH and MTS assays. Additionally, you will contribute to molecular and cellular investigations by applying techniques such as immunohistochemistry, comet assays for DNA damage assessment, and preparation of samples for sequencing‑based mutation analysis.

You will analyze experimental data, interpret findings, and contribute to the broader understanding of how different tobacco products impact lung biology.

You will receive structured training in inhalation toxicology, in vitro lung organoid models at the air–liquid interface (ALI), and the operation of automated robots for tobacco smoke and aerosol generation. You will develop skills in cell culture, toxicological and molecular assays, experimental design, and data analysis. Training also emphasizes scientific documentation, data integrity, and laboratory safety. Through mentorship and collaborative discussions, you will strengthen your ability to interpret findings and contribute to the scientific understanding of tobacco product toxicity and public health.

Azra Nfn (Nfn.Azra.gov)

Start date:

2026 (flexible). Initial term: one year, renewable contingent on available funds. Full‑time position. Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals who meet the licensing criteria. Non‑U.S. applicant guidelines are available on the program website.

Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management is required for onboarding. OPM can conduct investigations only for individuals who have resided in the U.S. for at least three of the past five years.

ORISE Fellows, including their spouse and minor children, who have a financial interest or relationship with a Significantly Regulated Organization (SRO) or prohibited investment fund must disclose it. If the relationship cannot be divested or terminated, the Fellow is not placed  FDA Ethics for Non‑employee Scientists for full requirements.

• Non‑employee nature of the ORISE appointment.
• Prohibition on ORISE Fellows performing inherently governmental functions.
• Obligation to convey all necessary rights to FDA regarding intellectual property conceived or first reduced to practice during the fellowship.
• Research materials and laboratory notebooks are the property of FDA.
• Obligation to protect and not further disclose or use non‑public information.

Candidate must be currently pursuing or have received a master’s or doctoral degree in one of…