FDA Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mechanistic Studies of Male Reproductive Toxicity

Organization

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

FDA‑NCTR‑2026‑0002

12/1/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

This fellowship is embedded within the Division of Biochemical Toxicology to investigate the mechanistic basis of cannabidiol (CBD)-induced male reproductive toxicity in mice. The successful candidate will primarily collect and analyze RNA sequencing data, apply bioinformatics pipelines for differential gene expression and pathway enrichment analysis, and compare ex‑vivo data with existing in‑vitro data. Additional work includes generating and analyzing LC‑MS/MS-based internal dosimetry data and contributing to spatial distribution analyses using MALDI‑MSI.

• Structured training in toxicity and mechanistic study design and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).
• Knowledge of the FDA drug review process and the role of nonclinical data.
• Presentation of research findings to federal stakeholders, national conferences, and peer‑reviewed manuscripts.
• Experience with public data deposition practices and open science.

Luisa Camacho (luisa.camacho.gov)

• Start date:
  
  Anticipated November 1, 2026 (flexible).
• Duration:
  One year, renewable upon recommendation and availability of funds.
• Level of participation:
  Full time.
• Participant stipend:
  Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

This opportunity is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals who meet immigration criteria. Non‑U.S. citizens must satisfy the DOE/ORAU guidelines regarding valid immigration status.

• Doctoral degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, biological/biosystems engineering, chemical engineering, environmental and marine sciences, life health and medical sciences, mathematics and statistics, or related disciplines.
• Degree awarded within the last 60 months or anticipated to be awarded by November 1, 2026.
• Strong background in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, analytical chemistry, or toxicology.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Mandated obligations include the non‑employee nature of the ORISE appointment, prohibition on performing inherently governmental functions, obligation to convey intellectual property rights to FDA, and protection of non‑public information. Detailed in the FDA Education and Training Agreement.

Point of Contact:
Ashley. For more information, contact ORISE .NCTR with reference code FDA‑NCTR‑2026‑0002.