FDA Interdisciplinary Scientist (Biologist/Nutritionist/Chemist/Dietitian/Life Scientist/Food Scientist)

Organization
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Reference Code
FDA-CFSAN-2023-0022
How to Apply

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A complete application consists of:

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.

Application Deadline
10/2/2023 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*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 Dietary Supplement Programs (ODSP), located in College Park, Maryland.

The participant will serve as interdisciplinary scientist in the Regulations Implementation Branch (RIB) of the Division of Policy and Regulation Implementation (DPRI) in the Office of Dietary Supplement Programs (ODSP). 

The participant will assist in the following activities:

1. Understanding the safety concerns related to claims and chemical/microbial contaminants in dietary supplements. Learn how to interpret results from test methods used to evaluate and characterize chemical/microbial contamination in dietary supplements. 

2. Developing consumer survey studies to determine whether claims made on dietary supplement products are false and misleading. The FDA uses consumer research as empirical evidence to support regulatory actions and statutory charges.

3. Performing searches (e.g., peer reviewed publications; reports/studies from industry, governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations) to determine safety concerns with ingredients and potential contamination.

4. Collaborating with laboratory researchers in identifying target analytes for method development and validation. Become familiar with FDA method validation. 

5. Assisting in the preparation of reports as well as presenting findings to collaborators and stakeholders.

6. Reviewing the scientific literature and applicable laws, policies, and regulations relative to dietary supplements/Ingredients.

7. These research efforts will provide invaluable training to a candidate in the areas dietary supplement regulation, policy, and compliance evaluation. These efforts will contribute towards publications in peer-reviewed journals and technical manuals.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: July 2023; start date is flexible


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 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.

FDA Ethics Requirements

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:

  • 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.
Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g. Chemistry). Most recent degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred Skills:

  • Background in biology, nutrition, chemistry, dietetics, life sciences, and/or food science
  • Experience in literature/database searching
  • Research and manuscript preparation experience
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (1 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (9 )
Affirmation

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.)

I have read the FDA Ethics Requirements.

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