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Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT)
Mechanistic Toxicology Branch
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Job Description

Overview: The Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT) at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), seeks postdoctoral trainees who want to build their careers in toxicological sciences to better understand how factors in our environment may impact our health. The DTT’s mission is to improve public health through data and knowledge development that are translatable, predictive, and timely. DTT strives to conduct innovative and rigorous toxicology research that aligns with real-world public health needs and to translate scientific findings into knowledge that can inform real-life individual and public health concerns. Much of DTT’s work is in support of the interagency National Toxicology Program.

Position Description: A postdoctoral fellow position is available in the Mechanistic Toxicology Branch in the Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT) at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. This is a project focused, laboratory-based position, centered on characterizing the endocrine-disrupting chemical exposome and bioactivity in serum from North Carolina women using molecular biology, metabolomics/exposomics, and in vitro approaches to better understand the impact of chemical mixture exposures on human health.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are characterized as exogenous chemicals, or a mixture of chemicals, that restrict any facet of normal hormone action. The occurrence of hormone-sensitive cancers affecting the breast, uterus, and ovary is increasing. It has been hypothesized that this rise, at least partially, can be attributed to environmental EDCs. The goal of this project is to identify the chemical species found in serum fractions of women in NC, characterize their bioactivities, and determine how these exposure biomarkers are related to breast cancer risk. The fellow will have extensive interaction with divisional staff in a multidisciplinary team of scientific disciplines such as toxicology, chemistry, informatics, statistics, and molecular biology.

The fellow’s role will include (1) development of extraction and liquid chromatography based analytical fractionation methods to separate endogenous hormones and exogenous endocrine-active chemicals (2) conduct bioactivity screening assays including, estrogen-receptor binding assay & ER-induced proliferation assay and (3) use high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to characterize the mixture of EDCs in bioactive fractionated serum. The multidisciplinary nature of this project will give the fellow an opportunity to be cross trained in analytical chemistry, toxicology, molecular biology, and in vitro approaches. Previous training in analytical chemistry, especially metabolomics/exposomics, is highly desirable but not required.

Presentation of ongoing work both internally and externally will be expected with an emphasis on developing skills in communicating science to diverse audiences. The fellow will be encouraged to participate in career development opportunities and engage in leadership activities at NIEHS and relevant professional societies.

Eligibility: To be eligible for a postdoctoral training fellowship at the DTT, applicants may not possess more than five years of postdoctoral experience and must hold a Ph.D. or other equivalent professional degree. All applicants receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, age (with statutory exceptions), or any other non-merit factor.

Stipend/Benefits: The DTT Fellows Training Program funds postdoctoral fellowships for typically up to three years. Stipends for NIH fellows are determined by the years of previous postdoctoral or other relevant experience completed. Postdoctoral fellows are considered professionals-in-training and are not classified as NIH employees. A healthcare plan is provided that includes both general health and vision care, with premiums covered at no-cost to fellows. Learn more about some of these benefits.

How to Apply: Applications should be submitted by the closing date (see below) and include:

  • Curriculum vitae.
  • A cover letter in which the applicant describes their research background, experience, and career goals.
  • Names and contact information for three references.

Please submit your application to  David M. Crizer, Ph.D. ([email protected])  by October 31, 2025. Include "EDC Exposome and Bioactivity Postdoctoral Fellow Application" in the subject line of your email. Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received.