FDA Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Blood Storage Lesion

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis, and this opportunity will remain open until filled.

A research opportunity is currently available in the Office of Blood Research and Review (OBRR) at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected candidate will be responsible for carrying out an exciting research program applicable to the area of hemoglobin, red blood cell biology, their storage adverse events and hemoglobinopathies. Specifically, the research in LBVB is focused on oxidation reactions of hemoglobin, red blood cells and their microparticles. Oxidative changes in hemoglobin are followed within red cells and their impact on cellular and subcellular levels are monitored. The candidate will learn how to use some of the sate of the art technologies related to blood banking and hematological assessments of blood function under variety of conditions. 

Individuals with demonstrable knowledge in the field of mass spectrometry and proteomic analysis of proteins in general and hemoglobin within red cells and microparticles are encouraged to apply.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: start date is flexible

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 for up to 4 years. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Other benefits may include the following: – Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance Supplement. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at FDA in the Silver Spring, Maryland, 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.