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. Your application will be considered incomplete, and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted.

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

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

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

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 Applied Research and Safety Assessment (OARSA) located in Laurel, Maryland.

The selected participant will be part of a multidisciplinary toxicology team involved in examining the detection of chemical contaminants in tobacco, food, dietary supplements and cosmetic materials. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be trained in the following research activities:

• Identify and develop liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) methods
• Optimize sample preparation for LC/MS/MS analysis
• Prepare samples for LC/MS/MS analysis
• Perform LC/MS/MS bioanalysis
• LC/MS/MS data processing and interpretation
• Knowledge of UPLC and GC analysis
• Learn to maintain proper documentation for all areas of study
• Calibration, repair and maintenance of laboratory equipment

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 one year, 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 Laurel, 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.

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:

• Non-employee nature of the ORISE appointment;
• Prohibition on ORISE Fellows performing inherently governmental functions;
• Obligation of ORISE Fellows to convey all necessary rights to the FDA regarding intellectual property conceived or first reduced to practice during their fellowship;
• The fact that research materials and laboratory notebooks are the property of the FDA;
• ORISE fellow’s obligation to protect and not to further disclose or use non-public information.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

• Familiarity in the use of LC/MS/MS and high resolution accurate mass spectrometers such as Orbitrap or Q-TOF 
• Knowledge and familiarity of UPLC and GC analysis
• Proficiency in sample preparation techniques used for elemental analysis
• Knowledgeable in set-up, troubleshooting and handling of chromatographs and spectrometers
• Knowledge and familiarity in interpretation of mass spectral data, statistics and experimental design 
• Familiarity with using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and maintaining accurate laboratory records and notebooks
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (8 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (1 )