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Scientist
Principal Scientist — Advanced Human Model Systems Full-time NEW
Position: 12-month contract, with potential to convert to a permanent role; On-site, Baltimore, MD
Anticipated start date: September 1, 2026
Expected salary range: $155,000–$195,000, commensurate with experience
ABOUT NCAC
The National Center to Accelerate Cures (NCAC) is an independent nonprofit institute dedicated to accelerating the regulatory acceptance and commercial adoption of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). NCAC works with technology developers, regulators, industry and academic partners to generate the evidence needed to validate promising NAMs for regulatory decision-making. In its first year, NCAC will validate its first NAMs, establish shared standards for the field, and build the data infrastructure needed to support regulatory review at scale. (acceleratecures.org)
POSITION SUMMARY
The Principal Scientist – Advanced Human Model Systems will serve as the scientific lead for NCAC’s validation programs. This individual will provide scientific leadership for the design and execution of validation studies, integrating expertise from internal staff, external technology developers, toxicology advisors, and scientific collaborators to develop fit-for-purpose testing strategies for New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). The successful candidate will bring broad experience developing and applying advanced human biological models across diverse research applications. Rather than being an expert in a single model system or disease area, they will possess the scientific judgment to identify the most appropriate biological model for a given scientific question and work collaboratively with external experts to ensure robust and biologically meaningful validation studies.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead the scientific planning and execution of NCAC’s validation programs.
• Develop integrated experimental strategies by working closely with external toxicology advisors, key opinion leaders, technology developers, and regulatory experts.
• Evaluate and select appropriate biological models for specific scientific and regulatory questions.
• Lead implementation and optimization of advanced human in vitro model systems, including organoids, organ-on-chip platforms, iPSC-derived models, primary cell systems, and other emerging technologies.
• Design reproducible experimental workflows and establish standardized laboratory procedures.
• Integrate scientific input from multiple stakeholders into practical laboratory workflows and validation plans.
• Troubleshoot complex biological systems and adapt experimental approaches as validation programs evolve.
• Mentor laboratory staff and foster a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, and collaboration.
• Contribute to scientific reports, publications, standards development, and external scientific collaborations.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• PhD in Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Developmental Biology, Tissue Engineering, Toxicology, Regenerative Medicine, or a related discipline with typically 6+ years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing, adapting, or implementing advanced human biological models across multiple research applications.
• Hands-on experience with a broad range of complex model systems, including organoids, organ-on-chip technologies, iPSC-derived models, primary cell cultures, microphysiological systems, or sophisticated co-culture models.
• Strong experimental design and scientific problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific questions into practical experimental strategies.
• Excellent communication skills and experience working in multidisciplinary collaborations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience applying advanced human models to drug discovery, disease modeling, translational research, or toxicology.
• Experience collaborating with external technology developers, academic laboratories, CROs, or industry partners.
• Experience working with scientific advisory boards or multidisciplinary project teams.
• Familiarity with quality systems, laboratory standardization, and regulatory-grade documentation.
• Experience leading collaborative scientific programs.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for a scientist who enjoys solving biological problems and not simply operating biological models. The ideal candidate has broad experience applying advanced human model systems to different scientific questions and understands how to select, adapt, and optimize biological models based on the evidence required. Equally important, this individual should be comfortable bringing together expertise from multiple sources. They should be able to work effectively with toxicology advisors, key opinion leaders, technology developers, regulators, and laboratory staff to develop scientifically sound validation strategies that are both innovative and practical. Scientific curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and sound judgment are as important as technical expertise.
WHAT YOU’LL ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR FIRST 60 DAYS
As NCAC’s founding scientific leader, you will help establish both the laboratory and the scientific framework that will guide the institute’s validation programs.
• Partner with NCAC leadership to define the scientific roadmap for the institute’s first validation studies.
• Build relationships with external toxicology advisors, technology developers, and scientific collaborators.
• Develop integrated experimental strategies for the first validation programs by incorporating input from internal and external experts.
• Lead implementation of NCAC’s initial biological model systems and establish standardized laboratory workflows.
• Oversee laboratory setup, equipment commissioning, and procurement of biological materials, reagents, and consumables.
• Develop SOPs, quality systems, and experimental documentation supporting reproducible and regulatory-ready studies.
• Design and execute initial pilot experiments to establish laboratory readiness, optimize culture conditions, and benchmark assay performance.
SUCCESS IN THE FIRST 12 MONTHS
• Establish NCAC’s first advanced human model platforms and validation workflows.
• Successfully lead the institute’s first independent validation studies.
• Develop collaborative relationships with technology developers, scientific advisors, and regulatory stakeholders.
• Build a laboratory culture centered on scientific rigor, reproducibility, and continuous innovation.
• Contribute to standards development, publications, and scientific reports that strengthen NCAC’s position as a trusted independent validation institute.