Senior Research Leader, New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)

Job Summary

Battelle is seeking a nationally recognized scientific leader in New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), Microphysiological Systems (MPS), and human-relevant toxicology to lead the strategic advancement of next-generation non-animal testing platforms across research, safety assessment, and translational science.

This Senior Research Leader role is intended for a senior scientist who combines deep technical expertise with broad organizational influence. The successful candidate will use their deep knowledge in the application of NAMs to define scientific direction, shape external collaborations, support regulatory engagement, and expand Battelle’s leadership in advanced in vitro systems, organ-on-chip technologies, multi-omics, computational toxicology, and evidence-based regulatory modernization. This role will influence how human-relevant test systems are applied to decision-making in chemical safety, biomedical research, and product development.

Responsibilities

Strategic Scope:

• Define and lead the scientific roadmap for NAMs, MPS, organoids, organ-on-chip platforms, and physiologically relevant in vitro systems across Battelle programs.
• Establish long-range priorities for integrating human-relevant testing platforms into safety assessment, discovery, translational research, and innovation pipelines.
• Guide organizational adoption of emerging best practices aligned with evolving expectations across FDA, EPA, NIH/NICEATM, industry, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Identify strategic capability investments, partnerships, and growth opportunities that strengthen Battelle’s market position in NAMs and MPS; targeting 15% revenue / YoY growth.

Scientific and Business Impact

• Direct high-value R&D and client-facing initiatives involving the design, implementation, qualification, and translational validation of:
• Multi-organ MPS platforms
• Tissue-specific organ-on-chip systems
• Integrated MPS-omics workflows
• MPS-to-in vivo extrapolation strategies
• Advance the integration of MPS with computational approaches, including QSAR, machine learning, predictive toxicology, and computational exposure modeling.
• Expand mechanistic insight through application of omics approaches, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics.
• Translate scientific capability into external growth by supporting major proposals, strategic partnerships, and high-impact client engagements.

Leadership and Influence

• Lead interdisciplinary scientific teams and serve as a senior technical authority across programs involving toxicology, biomedical engineering, physiology, pharmacology, computational modeling, and related disciplines.
• Represent Battelle in interagency groups, NAMs working groups, scientific advisory activities, and external collaborations that shape the evolution of U.S. regulatory science.
• Engage with regulatory and scientific leaders to support acceptance, qualification, and guidance relevant to MPS and other NAM-based platforms.
• Build and sustain high-impact partnerships with academic leaders, federal scientists, industry innovators, and consortia focused on MPS, organ-on-chip systems, and NAM adoption.
• Mentor senior and emerging scientists, strengthen technical capabilities, and help build a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.

Innovation and External Visibility

• Co-develop validation studies, cross-site reproducibility efforts, and scientific standards that expand confidence in MPS-based decision-making.
• Publish and present influential scientific work demonstrating the application and value of MPS and NAMs in human-relevant toxicology.
• Champion the scientific, ethical, and practical value of human-relevant testing systems across the toxicology and regulatory science ecosystem.
• Maintain external visibility as a thought leader in NAMs, MPS, and regulatory science modernization.

Key Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in toxicology, biomedical engineering, physiology, pharmacology, or a related discipline with 20 + years of experience working in the NAMs space.
• Recognized expertise in one or more NAM domains, including:
  • Microphysiological systems (MPS)
  • Organ-on-chip technology
  • 3D or advanced in vitro models
  • Computational toxicology, including QSAR and AI/ML
  • Multi-omics and mechanistic toxicology
• Demonstrated contributions to FDA, EPA, NIH/NICEATM, or similar U.S. regulatory or scientific bodies.
• Proven leadership of interdisciplinary scientific teams.
• Strong record of scientific publication, external presentation, and technical influence in NAMs, MPS, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to connect scientific strategy to program execution, external partnerships, and organizational growth.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing or validating MPS platforms tailored to regulatory questions in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, consumer products, or biomedical innovation.
• Participation in major NAM/MPS initiatives, validation programs, standards efforts, or interagency working groups.
• Experience leading cross-site reproducibility studies, qualification activities, or scientific standards development.
• Demonstrated success building collaborations across government, academia, industry, and consortia.
• Experience mentoring senior technical staff and shaping organizational scientific direction.

Compensation Data

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $192,000 - $273,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate’s salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.