Toxicologist I

Essential Job Functions:

• May perform or will be trained to perform the following tasks/duties in support of in vitro developmental neurotoxicology studies being conducted within the Division.
• Conduct applied regulatory toxicological research to support regulatory and public health decision-making on potential developmental neurotoxicity chemical hazards in foods and dietary supplements.
• To gain a better understanding of in vitro platforms and their use in predicting adverse effects.
• To develop a robust battery of predictive developmental neurotoxicology in vitro testing methods as alternatives to animal use and testing.
• Perform in vitro cell culture of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), maintenance of these cell culture systems (occasional weekend work may be required), and chemical analysis and histology associated with assigned research projects. 
• Prepare cell culture media, perform biochemical assays, use sterile culture techniques, monitor cell culture incubators (CO2 and humidity levels), refrigerator and freezer temperatures, proper use of centrifuges, autoclaves, automated hemocytometer, plate readers, microscopes, BSC-2 cabinets, chemical hoods, and balances.
• Must follow Division Quality Assurance/ Quality Control (QA/QC) plans, including maintaining laboratory notebooks, CFSAN/FDA safety guidelines and other documentation in a fashion required by FDA.
• Collect data, tabulate, and conduct basic data analysis as determined by the Principal Investigator (PI).  This may include basic data analysis calculations (Mean, Standard Deviation (SD), Standard Error of the Mean (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 solutions for use in in vitro studies. 
• Build standard curves for assays and calculate sample concentrations, as well as conduct assays as appropriate to complement and support assigned projects. 

Necessary Skills and Knowledge:

• Must have a working knowledge and basic understanding of cell biology. Preference for those with neurobiology/neurotoxicology background.
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills that promote a collaborative and productive laboratory environment.
• Must be self-motivated, growth-oriented, and driven to solve technical challenges.
• Strong command of Microsoft Office Applications (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Toxicology, Food Science, or other life science (e.g., biology, neuroscience) related field.
• Minimum one (1) to three (3) years’ experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Must have prior laboratory experience with in vitro cell culture techniques. Preference for those familiar with culture and maintenance of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs).
• Must have experience performing cellular and molecular biology techniques (e.g., qPCR, immunocytochemistry).
• Ability to successfully pass a background check.