Toxicologist I - Research Toxicologist

Seeking Level I Toxicologist to support research projects. Our programmatic mission is to integrate and apply modern predictive toxicological approaches to support regulatory and public health decision-making on chemical hazards in foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. Our strategic research plan is to provide more relevant and predictive in vitro data for human safety assessment of chemicals of agency interest. This will be accomplished by identifying sensitive biomarkers, alternative models and alternative in vitro testing platforms that will provide information that may help to minimize uncertainties and increase predictive capability involved in assessing chemical safety of foods and dietary supplements.

Essential Job Functions:

• Support the development and standardization of predictive toxicology platforms which will be utilized for the identification of chemical hazards in foods and dietary supplements.
• Assist with evaluating the broad key initiative research areas of molecular biology/toxicology, cell biology, biochemistry, alternative animal models, iPSCs, hepatotoxicity, renal toxicity, intestinal absorption, bioprinting and genomics/toxicogenomics.
• Conduct applied regulatory toxicological research to support regulatory and public health decision-making on chemical hazards in foods and dietary supplements.
• Understand alternative in vitro platforms and their use in predicting adverse effects.
• Develop a robust battery of predictive in vitro toxicology testing methods as alternatives to animal use and testing.
• Perform in vitro cell culture with multiple different cell lines, maintenance of cell culture systems, chemical analysis and histology associated with assigned research projects.
• Prepare cell culture media and perform biochemical assays.
• Use sterile culture techniques, monitor cell culture incubators (CO2 and humidity levels), refrigerator and freezer temperatures, proper use of centrifuges, automated hemocytometer, plate readers, microscopes, BSC-2 cabinets, chemical hoods, balances.
• Collect data, tabulate, and conduct basic data analysis as requested by PI; this may include basic data analysis calculations (Mean, SD, SEM), summarize data, and prepare graphs, tables and charts as requested.
• Assist with literature reviews, prepare basic reports for contributions to scientific communications etc.
• Prepare dosing solution for use in in vitro toxicology studies.
• Build standard curves for assays and calculate sample concentrations; Conduct assays as appropriate to complement and support assigned projects.

Necessary Skills and Knowledge:

• Experience in identifying sensitive biomarkers, alternative models, and alternative in vitro testing platforms.
• Experience working with vitro cell culture with multiple different cell lines, maintenance of cell culture systems, chemical analysis, and histology.
• Experience with cell culture media and performing biochemical assays.
• Ability to follow Division QA/QC plan including maintaining laboratory notebooks.
• Meticulous attention to detail and approach when performing examinations and tests.

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Toxicology, or related field.
• 1 – 2 years’ experience in a research laboratory environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Laurel, MD 20708: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Research Laboratory: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Licensed Pharmacist (Preferred)

Work Location: One location