Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP)
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
NIEHS is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated scientist to serve as Chief of the National Toxicology Program Laboratory (NTPL) in the Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP) at NIEHS. The mission of the DNTP is to evaluate environmental substances of public health concern by developing and applying tools of modern toxicology and molecular biology. The DNTP provides critical data for regulatory and non-regulatory stakeholder action to protect human health using rodent studies, alternative in vivo model systems, in vitro high-throughput screens and computational approaches to gauge the potential of thousands of substances to perturb biological targets and pathways.
The scientific goals of the DNTP are achieved through a distinct and highly cooperative and integrated team science operational model whereby scientific staff across multiple branches in the DNTP self-assemble into project teams and utilize centrally-managed shared resources, in contrast to the traditional NIH principal investigator led research group model. The majority of research is carried out through use of external research and development contracts together with a limited amount of onsite intramural laboratory research capability. The governance of projects that use DNTP resources are centrally approved by management.
The NTPL Branch Chief is responsible for oversight of the organizational unit of the DNTP that provides in house laboratory capabilities in support of DNTP scientific initiatives. The mission of the NTPL is to provide research support and conduct investigative toxicology for the DNTP. Laboratory work is project-driven in collaboration with members of DNTP project teams within the DNTP to advance the program mission.
The NTP Laboratory has several goals:
- To design and execute mechanistic studies and research programs in direct support of DNTP strategic areas of focus.
- To provide on-site, program-responsive, laboratory support to DNTP project teams for screening, prioritization and mechanistic understanding of chemical effects on human health.
- To produce and deliver high quality, laboratory data in a timely manner.
- To develop novel in vitro systems, alternative animal models, and cellular and molecular assays in a research setting that lead to standardized tests for the DNTP’s testing program.
- To conduct bioanalytical disposition and metabolite analysis of test chemicals in experimental systems.
- To collaborate with researchers and stakeholders for program-responsive research outcomes for DNTP.
The NTPL Chief also leads and otherwise contributes to DNTP multidisciplinary teams conceiving, developing, designing, interpreting, and reporting toxicology, carcinogenicity, and other applied and basic science research activities. These activities are highly diverse and range from in vitro and in vivo evaluations of the potential health impact of cell phone radiation, medicinal herbs, pharmaceuticals, environmental substances that mimic or interfere with endogenous hormones, and occupational chemical exposures, to the study of mold and novel substances such as nanoscale materials. In DNTP multidisciplinary teams, the senior leaders partner with fellow toxicologists, chemists, pathologists, specialists in metabolism and kinetics, as well as experts in genetic toxicity, in vitro screening and molecular modeling to design research programs tailored to the issues presented by individual substances under study.
The successful applicant will possess a strong foundational scientific knowledge in an area of toxicology including extensive experience directing laboratory research, and a working knowledge of carcinogenesis, genomics, molecular biology, molecular genetics, cellular biology, systems biology, pathology, and statistics. The applicant will have demonstrated experience leading successful scientific research programs, including participation in large multi-institutional programs and national and international consortia.
The ideal candidate for this position will have a professional research-based degree (Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D., or D.V.M.) in the life sciences, with extensive experience in in vivo and in vitro toxicology studies. The successful candidate must demonstrate the strategic and visionary leadership for identifying and matching new scientific technologies with the needs of the DNTP, while also understanding the limitations of data generated through these approaches for public health decision-making. Salary will commensurate with experience. A full civil service package of benefits (including health insurance, life insurance, and retirement) is available. This position is restricted to U.S. citizens.
How to Apply
Applications for this position will be accepted via USAJOBS. Please check back for specific dates and the link for this recruitment. There will be a 10-day window to apply for the position. Applicants should submit the following: cover letter highlighting key qualifications; current curriculum vitae with complete bibliography; and names and addresses of three references. Please include in your CV a description of your mentoring and outreach activities, especially those involving women and racial/ethnic or other groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research. For questions or additional information on this recruitment, please contact Dr. Robert C. Sills.
Commitment to Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity
The NIH NIEHS encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. NIH NIEHS will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities as appropriate. If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us.
Foreign Education
Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the United States must provide an evaluation by an accredited organization to ensure its equivalence to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For more information on foreign education verification, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. Verification must be received prior to the effective date of the appointment.
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Do not include your birth date, social security number (SSN), or personal photograph on application materials. DHHS and NIH are equal opportunity employers.
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