Postdoctoral In Vitro Respiratory Scientist

RTI is a leader in multi-disciplinary research to address complex problems that impact human health. A historical strength, led by RTI's Exposure and Protection (E&P) Group, has been its focus on inhalation exposure assessment and corresponding effects on human health through basic and applied research that spans the entire source-exposure-dose paradigm. Our research program focuses on health outcomes that leverage our advanced capabilities in evaluating the health effects of inhalation exposures with a focus on complex in vitro human respiratory tract models. These are complemented by strong collaborations in exposure measurement and modeling, particle and chemical speciation, computational modeling, data analytics, and therapeutic drug delivery.

We are seeking to grow our research program by expanding our capabilities and expertise in inhalation toxicology and respiratory health, specifically in in vitro approaches to inhalation toxicology testing and respiratory disease mechanisms. To help grow these efforts, we are seeking a dynamic, driven, and detail-oriented Post-Doctoral Research Scientist to assist with this strategic area of research and eventually become a leader in your specific research area of interest.

The postdoctoral fellow will participate in, and lead research directed to advancing the in vivo human relevance and application of in vitro respiratory tract models for inhalation toxicology and respiratory biology. This will include using single and multi-cellular in vitro models ranging from cell lines to air-liquid interface (ALI)-differentiated donor-matched primary human co-culture models in the assessment of chemical exposure effects and the characterization of underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms.

General focus areas of the research program include:

• Exploring the impact of inter-individual variability on the use of primary cell-based in vitro systems for chemical testing.
• Characterizing the molecular mechanisms responsible for inter-individual variability at the cellular level.
• Constructing increasingly complex in vitro models of the respiratory tract to increase the in vivo relevance of in vitro
• Developing new approaches for conducting quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation for inhaled toxicants.
• Harmonization of in vitro methods and the development of reporting standards to improve study reliability and advance acceptance for regulatory decision making.
• Developing scientific leadership and mentorship skills.
• Support for professional development.

You will be expected to work with senior researchers to:

• Lead laboratory research projects involving the construction and use of primary cell-based air-liquid interface (ALI) models of the human respiratory tract for in vitro respiratory toxicology.
• Coordinate and provide oversight for laboratory technical staff conducting work supporting respiratory toxicology projects.
• Develop research concepts related to progression of a respiratory disease, pre-clinical and clinical measures of respiratory health, and biomarkers of physiological response.
• Assist with external proposals, funded projects, and dissemination of results through journal publications and conference presentations.
• Foster collaborations with internal and external research collaborators.
• Identify gaps in research knowledge and emerging research topics that could lead to the development and implementation of new research programs.

To be successful in this role you will have demonstrated success working in a multidisciplinary, collaborative, and scientifically driven environment. You will have the opportunity to work as part of large, multidisciplinary teams and grow to have a leadership role. You will perform all these duties keeping equity and environmental justice as a priority.

Benefits:

• Advance your skills and experience in a cutting-edge research and development program.
• Gain experience in both contract- and grant-based research studies.
• Build scientific and proposal writing skills under the mentorship and direction in a diverse and highly-experienced scientific environment.
• Opportunities to contribute to a broad range of multi- and trans-disciplinary research.
• Includes health care, paid time off, numerous lifestyle perks, and 401k contributions.

• PhD in toxicology, or related biomedical discipline
• Strong experience using human primary cell-based air-liquid interface (ALI) in vitro models of the human respiratory tract.
• Strong experience using in vitro models for chemical research and/or testing applications.
• Strong experience using plate-based assays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and cell viability/cytotoxicity assays.
• Highly motivated and detail-oriented researcher with strong communication skills.
• Thorough knowledge of human cell culture methods and common approaches for mechanistic toxicology.
• Experience with training and oversight of technical laboratory staff and/or junior scientists.
• First author on 1 or more peer-reviewed journal publications.
• Skilled scientific and technical writer.
• Demonstrated experience in associated biospecimen collection and sample analysis techniques.
• Demonstrated understanding of biostatistics, data analysis techniques and associated software.

Preferred:

• Experience with trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements.
• Experience with fluorescent microscopy.
• Experience with writing proposals for external or internal funding.
• Experience with implementation of science research.
• Experience evaluating the potential for local and systemic health effects resulting from inhalation exposures.

For San Francisco, CA USA Job Postings Only: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Further information is available here.

RTI accepts applications to our job openings from candidates with criminal histories or conviction records in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

For Applicants in Massachusetts Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below. Our pay ranges represent national averages and may vary by location as a geographic differential may be applied to some locations within the United States. RTI considers multiple factors when making an offer including, for example: established salary range, internal budget, business needs, and education and years of work experience possessed by the applicant. Further, salary is merely one element to our offer.

At RTI, we demonstrate our commitment to rewarding individual and team achievement through a total rewards package. This package includes (among other things) a competitive base salary, a generous paid time off policy, merit based annual increases, bonus opportunities and a robust recognition program. Other benefits include a competitive range of insurance plans (including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability), access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan, paid parental leave for all parents, financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments, financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities, an employee assistance program, and numerous other offerings to support a healthy work-life balance.