Biologist - New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)

Job Summary

Battelle is seeking an early-career Scientist with a recent PhD and a strong interest in New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), especially complex in vitro models including microphysiological systems (MPS) and other human-relevant non-animal testing platforms. This role will contribute to the development, application, and evaluation of advanced non-animal testing platforms—including organoids, organ-on-chip systems, 3D in vitro models, and computational approaches—to support chemical safety assessment, biomedical research, and product development.

The Biologist II will work as part of multidisciplinary teams of biologists, engineers, data scientists, and regulatory specialists. The successful candidate will independently lead defined research activities, contribute scientific expertise to project teams, and build experience translating emerging human-relevant technologies into reliable, decision-ready scientific tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, analyze, and document research studies involving NAMs, MPS, organoids, organ-on-chip platforms, and other physiologically relevant in vitro models.
• Develop technical expertise in one or more areas of human-relevant toxicology, such as advanced cell culture, tissue engineering, MPS operation, mechanistic toxicology, omics, or computational toxicology.
• Support the design, implementation, optimization, and qualification of MPS platforms for defined biological, toxicological, or safety-assessment applications.
• Conduct experimental studies to evaluate model performance, reproducibility, biological relevance, and applicability to specific scientific questions.
• Generate, organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data; apply appropriate statistical methods and data-visualization approaches.
• Assist with integration of MPS data with complementary approaches, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, computational models, and conventional in vitro or in vivo data.
• Contribute to efforts that compare human-relevant model outputs with existing reference data and support in vitro-to-in vivo extrapolation or translational interpretation.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, study protocols, laboratory records, data packages, and client-ready project deliverables.
• Develop, improve, and follow standard operating procedures, experimental protocols, and quality-control practices.
• Conduct and summarize literature reviews related to NAMs, MPS, organ-on-chip technology, regulatory science, and emerging best practices from organizations such as FDA, EPA, NIH, and NICEATM.
• Collaborate with internal and external research partners, including scientists from government, industry, and academia.
• Contribute to scientific publications, conference abstracts, posters, and presentations; present project results to internal teams and, as experience grows, external audiences.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment while adhering to applicable quality, safety, and documentation requirements.
• Stay current with emerging advances in NAMs, MPS, human-relevant toxicology, and regulatory acceptance of alternative test methods.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field with 2 years of experience or master’s degree in related field; or an equivalent combination of education and or experience in a related field.
• Demonstrated research experience in one or more relevant areas, gained through doctoral research, academic research, industry experience, or equivalent work, such as: Microphysiological systems or organ-on-chip technologies; Organoids, 3D cell culture, co-culture, or advanced in vitro models; Toxicology, safety assessment, or mechanistic biology; Tissue engineering or biomedical engineering; Computational toxicology, bioinformatics, QSAR, or machine learning; Omics technologies, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, or proteomics.
• Experience designing experiments, analyzing results, troubleshooting technical challenges, and communicating scientific findings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear scientific reports, technical documentation, and presentations.
• Ability to manage assigned project tasks, prioritize competing demands, and work effectively both independently and in interdisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to rigorous science, accurate recordkeeping, laboratory safety, and quality-focused research practices.
• Applicants for this position must be a U.S. citizen and possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with microphysiological systems, organ-on-chip platforms, 3D cell culture, primary human cells, tissue models, high-content imaging, TEER measurements, perfusion-based culture systems, or functional assays is preferred.
• Experience with primary human cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, complex cell-culture systems, or tissue-specific models.
• Familiarity with assay development, model qualification, validation principles, reproducibility studies, or method-transfer activities.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis, data visualization, and/or programming tools such as R, Python, MATLAB, or similar platforms.