Staff Fellow / Visiting Scientist - Interdisciplinary Research Scientist

Position Title: Staff Fellow / Visiting Scientist – Interdisciplinary Research Scientist

Series: This position will be filled in an appropriate occupational series (e.g., biology, microbiology, toxicology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields) under Title 42 U.S.C. 209(g). An official transcript or a foreign education credential will be required upon selection for the position. A course-by-course foreign education credential may be required depending on the occupational series selected.

Location: Jefferson, AR. Position is Telework Eligible, as determined by agency policy.

Opening Date: Tuesday, 10/1/2024

Closing Date: Wednesday, 10/16/2024

Salary Range: Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Area of Consideration: All U.S. Citizens or all eligible foreign nationals.

Special Notes: This position will be filled as a Title 42 209 (g) appointment. This is an Excepted Service position under Title 42. This appointment does not confer any entitlement to a position in the competitive service. This position is covered by the HHS and NTEU Consolidated Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). We may make additional selections for similar positions from this vacancy announcement.

Introduction:

This position is located in the Division of Genetic & Molecular Toxicology, Office of Research, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.

NCTR is a multi-disciplinary research center. NCTR’s primary mission is to conduct peer-reviewed research and develop new scientific tools for the FDA to improve public health. This research produces new data and innovative tools to solve complex health issues and anticipated toxicological problems, thus enhancing FDA regulatory decision making. NCTR provides multidisciplinary training and fosters national and international collaborations with scientists from government, academia, and industry.

The mission of the Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology includes developing methodology for detecting the genetic toxicity of chemical agents in a manner consistent with predicting genetic risk to humans, determining the mechanisms involved in chemically induced genetic toxicity, and incorporating the new molecular biology technologies for the development of biomarkers and conducting hazard assessments, specifically cancer hazard assessments, that are used in FDA regulatory decisions.

Duties/Responsibilities:

NCTR is seeking a highly qualified scientist who will provide technical and scientific support in implementing research projects defining the toxicity and genetic toxicity of smoke and aerosols generated from tobacco products.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Works as part of a research team that develops, designs, and conducts innovative studies evaluating the toxicity and genetic toxicity of inhaled substances related to the use of tobacco products.

• Participates in all phases of research of a limited scope as assigned. When directed, performs assigned experiments in an independent manner and utilizes expertise in designing and conducting laboratory studies for assessing test substance toxicity and genetic toxicity.

• Prepares standard operating procedures for the methods; collects and analyzes raw data.

• To accomplish research, utilizes various experimental techniques such as cell culture, smoking/vaping robot exposures, toxicity and mutational analysis.

• Maintains equipment associated with the research, including smoking/vaping robots and exposure chambers, cigarette conditioning chamber.

• Maintains stocks of supplies necessary for conducting the research studies.

• Conducts data analysis, such as statistical assessments of significance and computational analysis of relative dose response induction (e.g., benchmark dose response analysis).

• Works effectively in a multi-disciplinary team of regulatory scientists and research scientists to enhance FDA’s regulatory mission.

• Communicates well with team members, stakeholders, and supervisors.

• Interacts with colleagues throughout the Agency in support of FDA research and missions.

• Writes or assists in writing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, which may include preparing and reviewing technical reports and scientific papers from within and outside NCTR.

• Presents or assists in presenting research in scientific journals and at professional conferences.

Application Procedures:

Candidates must submit a CV and brief statement of interest to:

Robert H. Heflich, Ph.D.

Division Director, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

National Center for Toxicological Research

Building 14/HFT-120

3900 NCTR Rd., Jefferson, AR 72079

Email: robert.heflich@fda.hhs.gov

Additional Announcement Information:

The FDA will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities who are not able to apply by sending a letter or email to the hiring manager, upon request.

Benefits: The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees at https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/benefits .

Incentives may be authorized; however, this is contingent upon funds availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require you to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal

government for a period of up to 3 years. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Incentives include the following: moving expenses, recruitment or relocation incentive; student loan repayment, superior qualifications appointment, creditable service for annual leave for prior non-federal work experience or prior uniformed military service, etc.