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
• Two educational or professional references

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

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

A postgraduate research opportunity is available at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).

FDA is a science-based regulatory agency that handles complex, varied, and high-profile issues. FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) has undertaken numerous science and research projects to improve and modernize the drug development and review process. Unfortunately, members of the public remain largely unaware of these programs. In recent months, CDER’s Division of Online Communications (DOC) within the Office of Communications (OCOMM) has developed and refined several communication products to showcase the Center’s innovative science and research activities. These products support OCOMM’s mission of educating the public on drug-related issues.

To further improve communications about CDER’s science and regulatory work, DOC seeks to expand its portfolio of communication products; however, it is difficult to recruit individuals with the right combination of scientific knowledge, communication skills, and highly specialized knowledge of translational science and regulatory work.  The best way to gain this highly-specialized knowledge is to be immersed in the regulatory culture and environment for a significant length of time, and therefore, DOC is seeking to train recent science graduates in regulatory science writing and communication.

Problem objectives include:

• To provide a highly-qualified individual possessing a biomedical science degree and demonstrated communication skills with the opportunity to become an effective writer who can make the work of the center more transparent to the public.
• To learn to relay complex scientific and regulatory information in clear, concise language that may be easily understood by diverse audiences including consumers, health care professionals, advocacy groups and policy makers.
• To train new biomedical communicators to move towards a writer/editor career in CDER.
• Receive guided training in regulatory science communication, the drug review and approval process; and the drug lifecycle from a regulatory perspective.

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 12 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 Silver Spring, MD area. Participants do not become employees of FDA or the program administrator, and there are no fringe benefits paid.

A doctoral degree in the biological or chemical sciences is preferred. Qualified masters-level candidates may also be considered provided that the candidate demonstrates strong written and oral communication skills.

• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (6 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (1 )