FDA Established Scientist Research Fellowship

A research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Office of Regulatory Science (ORS), located in College Park, Maryland.

The participant will engage in research related to the analysis of food additives, contaminants, and or other unapproved compounds in foods and/or food contact materials. The participant will receive training in the following areas during the specified period:

1. The development and/or execution of sample preparation methods, such as sample homogenization, digestion and/or extraction procedures, for the analysis of complex foods, cosmetics, and/or dietary supplements.

2. The development and/or execution of chromatographic (e.g. gas chromatography and liquid chromatography) and/or mass spectrometric methods for the characterization of chemical composition and identification of potential contaminants or unapproved compounds in foods, cosmetics, and/or dietary supplements.

3. Conducting laboratory experiments to evaluate and validate the analytical procedures under study.

4. Data analysis for the quantification of contaminants in foods, cosmetics and/or dietary supplements.

5. Preparation of scientific reports or manuscripts.

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and FDA. The initial appointment is for 6 months but may be renewed upon recommendation of FDA contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at FDA in the College Park, Maryland, area. Participants do not become employees of FDA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at FDA. OPM can complete a background investigation only for individuals, including non-US Citizens, who have resided in the US for a total of three of the past five years.

If an ORISE Fellow, to include their spouse and minor children, reports what is identified as a Significantly Regulated Organization (SRO) or prohibited investment fund financial interest in any amount, or a relationship with an SRO, except for spousal employment with an SRO, and the individual will not voluntarily divest the financial interest or terminate the relationship, then the individual is not placed at FDA.  For additional requirements, see FDA Ethics for Nonemployee Scientists. 

 

FDA requires ORISE participants to read and sign their FDA Education and Training Agreement within 30 days of his/her start date, setting forth the conditions and expectations for his/her educational appointment at the agency. This agreement covers such topics as the following: