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)

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 two Staff Fellow/Visiting Associate positions in the Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens (LEP).

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 the state-of the art research programs to develop superior detection technologies and identify biomarkers that are predictive of immunity and pathogenesis of tick-borne infections that can be transmitted through blood transfusion. 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: Courses equivalent to a major, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in Biochemistry or Physiology or other relevant Biomedical Sciences or equivalent doctoral degree (M.D., D.V.M., DVM., or Sc.D. etc.) is required. Candidates must possess an outstanding publication record of 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 genomics, immunology, and pathogenesis of infectious diseases. Knowledge and expertise in detection methods, immunological techniques, bioinformatics, and disease animal models is also preferred. Candidates must be technically advanced, capable of driving a research project, and have experience with handling 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, including 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 are 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.
• This position is subject to Executive Order 14043, mandating covid-19 vaccination for federal employees does not currently apply.
• 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: Submit electronic resume or curriculum vitae with a cover letter containing a brief summary of scientific accomplishments and the names/contact information of three references to CBER Recruitment at CBER.Employment@fda.hhs.gov. In addition, include a statement of proposed research direction and how it would be applicable to parasitic disease and blood safety (maximum 500 words). Applications and all supporting documentation will be accepted through October 21, 2022.  Please reference Job Code: OBRR-22-24-CJP.

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.