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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
• A sample of peer-reviewed publication (upload in the Writing Sample area)
• 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.NCTR@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A fellowship opportunity is currently available in the Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Jefferson Laboratories Campus located in Jefferson, Arkansas.

Research efforts will include participation in multi-disciplinary efforts in a nationally recognized training program in support of the FDA’s mission and training in fundamental and applied research designed to assess the effects of FDA relevant xenobiotic compounds on the gastrointestinal tract. Through these fellowships, the selected participants will have the opportunity to learn and apply techniques to investigate in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo models of gastrointestinal tracts to assess the effects of the test compound on intestinal microbiota, intestinal permeability, gut associated immune responses, xenobiotic metabolism and antimicrobial resistance.

While contributing to the projects, the participants will be actively encouraged to present the research at internal and external conferences, as per FDA rules, and publish the findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: February 1, 2024; start date is flexible and may start as soon as a candidate is selected.

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 Jefferson, Arkansas, 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.

The qualified candidate should have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields or be currently pursuing one of the degrees with completion by January 31, 2024. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

• Knowledge in the area of Microbiology, Immunology, Toxicology Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Prior experience on cell culture and/or animal experiences
• Experience developing and performing assays to evaluate the potential toxicity of xenobiotic compounds
• Working knowledge in metagenomics and 16S rRNA analysis of the microbiome is a plus

• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 1/31/2024 11:59:00 PM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )

Have you lived in the United States for at least 36 out of the past 60 months? (36 months do not have to be consecutive.)

and

Have you read the FDA Ethics Requirements.