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 Blood Components & Devices (DBCD) is recruiting to fill a Staff Fellow/Visiting Associate position in the Laboratory of Cellular Hematology.

DBCD employees are actively engaged in research on a variety of blood components and related products. DBCD 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, bacteriology, vaccines, blood, cellular 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 an exciting research program applicable to the areas of blood platelet biology, platelet storage conditions, and the investigation of extracellular membrane vesicles, and protein particles in blood and blood products. In addition to laboratory research, the candidate will perform regulatory review of applications related to blood components and related devices used for collection, processing, and storage. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must meet the specific qualification requirements of the occupational series below.

General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences (RG-0401): Degree in biological sciences, 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, Chemistry, Cell Biology, Physiology, or other relevant Biomedical Sciences such as an 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 review of scientific reports and data interpretation.

REQUIRED SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Candidates must have the following specialized experience:

• Broad knowledge in the areas of molecular biology, microbiology related to blood safety such as inactivation of pathogens in blood components
• Hand-on experience in functional analyses of blood plasma, platelets, and red blood cells.
• Hands-on experience in bioinformatics and use of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs as biomarkers for quality of cellular blood components.
• Experience in conducting experiments using small animal models and handling of cultured mammalian cells.
• Demonstrated experience in technical writing, data analysis and science-content review and critique capabilities.

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, with 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 is 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 www.SSS.gov 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 website at FDA Ethics and Integrity Office.
• 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. Applications and all supporting documentation will be accepted through
October 15th, 2022. Please reference Job Code: OBRR-22-23-CJP.

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.