OFFICE OF BLOOD RESEARCH AND REVIEW (OBRR)
CENTER FOR BIOLOGICS EVALUATION AND RESEARCH (CBER)
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS)

Become a part of an agency that touches the lives of every American!

The FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Office of Blood Research and Review (OBRR), Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases (DETTD) is recruiting to fill a Staff Fellow/Visiting Associate position in the Laboratory of Molecular Virology (LMV).

DETTD employees are actively engaged in research on projects related to detection, immunology and pathogenesis of infectious agents that can be transmitted by blood transfusion. DETTD is located at the FDA’s White Oak campus in Silver Spring, Maryland and is part of the CBER research program, which includes more than 70 principal investigators. These investigators lead research teams in the fields of virology, parasitic infections, bacteriology, and gene therapy employing state-of-the-art techniques to address critical public health issues as part of the CBER mission. In addition to BSL-3, ABSL-3 and animal care facilities, the newly built laboratory complex at White Oak includes core facilities, such as flow cytometry and confocal and electron microscopy.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The selected candidate will participate in state-of the art research in molecular virology with emphasis on hepatitis viruses and other emerging blood viruses that present a risk to blood supply. In addition to laboratory research, the candidate will perform regulatory review of applications related to devices for screening blood donors against blood-borne infections. Candidate may also assist in formulating policies and writing guidance documents to ensure safety of blood and blood products for transfusion.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants will be required to meet the specific qualification requirements of the applicable occupational series below.

General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences (RG-0401): Degree in Biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position, – OR – Combination of education and experience in courses equivalent to a major, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: A Ph.D. in Biochemistry or Pathology or other relevant Biomedical Sciences or equivalent doctoral degree (M.D., D.V.M., or Sc.D. etc.) is required. Candidates must possess an outstanding publication record demonstrating research productivity, exceptional written and oral communication skills, and experience in scientific critique.

PREFERRED SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Candidates must have broad knowledge in the areas of, virology, immunology, clinical translational science, and pathogenesis of infectious diseases. Knowledge and expertise in molecular biology, development of assays for detection of viruses, immunological techniques, and animal models of disease is also preferred. Candidates must be capable of driving a research project using advanced techniques (for example, single cell transcriptomics) and have experience with handling viruses, blood and cultured mammalian cells.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit the U.S. Department of Education website for Foreign Education Evaluation.

SALARY: Salary is commensurate with education and experience and includes an excellent benefits package.

LOCATION: FDA White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, MD

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: This position will be filled through the Service Fellowship program, with an initial appointment period followed by opportunities for renewal. Applications will be accepted from all groups of qualified candidates, including U.S. citizens or non-U.S. Citizens holding valid immigration status and work authorization at the FDA. No previous Federal experience is required. Appointment does not confer any entitlement to a position in the competitive service, and during the initial appointment there is no entitlement to Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) appeals rights.

• One-year probationary period may be required.
• Official Transcripts required.
• Background and/or Security investigation required.
• If applicant is an U.S. Citizen, males born on, or after, December 31st, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System or have an approved exemption. Visit the Selective Service System for more info.
• Prohibited financial interest restrictions may apply. For additional information on the prohibited financial interests, please visit the FDA Ethics and Integrity Office webpage.
• Non-US and permanent residents are required to have resided in the United States for a minimum of three of the last five years.

HOW TO APPLY:  Please submit your Federal Resume* and a cover letter containing a brief summary of scientific accomplishments to CBER.Employment@fda.hhs.gov and Tanesha.Washington@fda.hhs.gov. Full applications with all supporting documents (i.e., transcripts, names/contact information for three references, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency status, and other supporting documentations) should be submitted by July 7, 2023. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please reference Job Code: OBRR-23-15-CJP

*For more information on what to include in your Federal Resume, please click on the following USAjobs.gov link: https://www.usajobs.gov/help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: For additional information on CBER Careers, please visit:

• CBER Careers
• Scientific Careers at the FDA

HHS/FDA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status