Functional Scientific Researcher

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

About this Role: 


In this role, you will provide scientific expertise in support of Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application’s (ORIVA)  mission to develop, validate, and apply non-animal approaches and innovative technologies to advance human-centered biomedical research across National Insitutes of Health (NIH). You work directly alongside NIH scientific and program staff across two divisions: D-NICEATM and DAIBR. 
 


Key Responsibilities: 

1. Evaluate New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and prepare documentation aligned with guidelines from the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods (ICCVAM), FDA, EPA, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 
2. Design and coordinate interlaboratory validation studies; analyze bioactivity, in vitro/in silico, and dose-response data  
3. Contribute to study design and provide expert recommendations on data adequacy for government reports and regulatory submissions  
4. Apply and evaluate computational methods for human health safety and risk assessment  
5. Review and curate data from relevant scientific databases; perform literature searches in government platforms  
6. Draft scientific materials including technical reports, research highlights, and meeting summaries  
7. Support scientific meetings including ICCVAM calls, public forums, and national/international conferences  
8. Collaborate with NIH scientists, program officers, and cross-functional teams on program deliverables 

 


Qualifications and Skills: 

1. PhD in a biomedical field (toxicology, pharmacology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related) with 1+ years of relevant experience  OR  Master's degree in an equivalent field with 4 years of additional experience  
2. Demonstrated expertise in NAMs or a closely related scientific field  
3. Experience developing, evaluating, or validating in vitro or computational methods for human health safety or risk assessment  
4. Strong scientific writing and oral communication skills  
5. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills  
6. U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain Public Trust clearance 

 


Desired Skills and Competencies: 

1. Familiarity with 3Rs principles (Replace, Reduce, Refine) and their application in NIH-funded research  
2. Prior NIH and/or HHS contractor experience  
3. Peer-reviewed publications in NAMS-related field 

 


Equal Opportunity Employer: 


We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. 

Flexible work from home options available.