FDA Postdoctoral Fellowship in In Vitro Genotoxicity Testing

Research Project

You will engage in a multidisciplinary collaborative project focused on developing and evaluating a human‑relevant New Approach Methodology (NAM) for quantitative mutagenicity assessment. The project aims to integrate three‑dimensional (3D) human HepaRG spheroid cultures, error‑corrected sequencing (ECS), benchmark concentration (BMC) modeling, and in‑vitro‑to‑in‑vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) to support quantitative risk assessment of chemicals relevant to public health. Collaborative activities may include:

• Participate in the design and optimization of 3D human HepaRG spheroid–based experimental systems for the evaluation of chemical‑induced mutagenicity using advanced ECS technologies.
• Analyze concentration‑response relationships using quantitative BMC modeling and IVIVE approaches for translating in‑vitro findings into human‑relevant administered equivalent doses for risk assessment applications.
• Participate in bioinformatics analyses, data integration, scientific reporting, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of research findings through presentations and publications.

This fellowship will provide you with a structured educational experience that integrates laboratory research, computational analysis, quantitative modeling, and regulatory science training. You will receive mentorship from an interdisciplinary team of scientists with knowledge in genetic toxicology, genomics, bioinformatics, risk assessment, and regulatory science. Through this integrated training experience, you will gain exposure to cutting‑edge methodologies that are increasingly important for modernizing toxicology and supporting evidence‑based regulatory decisions.

The fellowship will provide you with extensive opportunities for professional growth and career development in the fields of genotoxicity, mutagenicity, computational biology, and regulatory science. Through active participation in a collaborative research environment, you will strengthen both technical and scientific competencies while gaining valuable experience in translational regulatory research.

The mentor for this opportunity is Xiaoqing Guo (xiaoqing.guo.gov).

Anticipated Appointment

Start Date:

October 1, 2026 (Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors).

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for two years, but may be renewed upon recommendation of FDA and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

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 of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026.

Background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management is required for an applicant to be on‑boarded  can complete a background investigation only for individuals, including non‑U.S. Citizens, who have resided in the U.S. for a total of three of the past five years.

• Degree:
  Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2026 11:59 PM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
    • Analytical Chemistry
    • Bio‑inorganic Chemistry
    • Bio‑organic Chemistry
    • Biophysical Chemistry
    • Chemistry (General)
    • Environmental Chemistry
    • Inorganic Chemistry
    • Materials Sciences
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Physical Chemistry
    • Polymer Chemistry
    • Theoretical Chemistry
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
• Affirmation: I am a U.S. citizen, or I have lived in the United States for at least 36 months within the past 60…