To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

A complete application consists of:

• An application
• Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• One educational or professional recommendation

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.FDA.CBER@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

FDA Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in White Oak, Maryland

The Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) is one Center within the Food and Drug Administration, an Agency within the United States Government's Department of Health and Human Services. CBER's mission is to protect and enhance the public health through the regulation of biological and related products including blood, vaccines, allergenics, tissues, and cellular and gene therapies.

Research Project: You will participate in the ongoing research projects which are related to improvement of the safety and efficacy of influenza and other respiratory virus vaccines through optimized antigen immunogenicity and enhanced vaccine production processes, while analyzing their protective effects against viral infections in animal models.

Learning Objectives: You will have opportunities to receive hands-on experience that complements your educational and professional background and helps you gain knowledge in areas related to the agency mission. You will be a part of the ongoing research projects which are related to improvement of safety and efficacy of seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines. You will gain experience and expertise by being involved in the investigation of humoral and cellular immune responses following infection and vaccination in small animal models, leading to an understanding of antigenic structures, correlates of protection of influenza or SARS-CoV-2 viruses, with the ultimate goal of preventing diseases and vaccine development against respiratory viruses and emerging pathogens.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Zhiping Ye (Zhiping.ye@fda.hhs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Summer 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of FDA and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. 

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only and Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs).

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 participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. 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.

The qualified candidate should have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years. 

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (9 )

I am a U.S. citizen; or I have lived in the United States for at least 36 out of the past 60 months. (36 months do not have to be consecutive.)