FDA Postdoctoral Fellowship in Polymer Chemistry​/Nanomaterials Synthesis

Reference

FDA-NCTR-

An advanced fellowship designed for recent doctoral graduates interested in nanotechnology and polymer research relevant to FDA’s public health mission. The fellowship provides hands‑on regulatory science training in a multidisciplinary research environment at the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), Nanotechnology Core Facility.

Jefferson, Arkansas, United States – the only FDA Center outside Washington, D.C.

The fellowship focuses on developing and applying state‑of‑the‑art analytical approaches to understand the characterization, safety, biocompatibility, and performance of nanomaterials used in regulated products.

• Develop novel methods for synthesis of polymers, nanomaterials, microplastics, and nanoplastics.
• Perform pyrolysis or thermogravimetric analysis coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
• Use particle size measurement techniques in solution, such as dynamic and static light scattering.
• Participate in high‑quality research projects aimed at standard method development leading to publications.

Anil Patri – anil.patri.gov

• Start date:
  
  2026 (flexible).
• Duration: 1 year, renewable upon recommendation and availability of funds.
• Full‑time position.

Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. No employment‑related benefits. Proof of health insurance required.

Open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals meeting immigration requirements. Applicants must meet the American citizenship/immigration requirement of having lived in the U.S. for at least 36 of the past 60 months.

Fellows must complete FDA Ethics for Non‑employee Scientists requirements and sign the FDA Education and Training Agreement within 30 days of the start date.

• Doctoral degree in organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, nanomaterials chemistry, or related fields received within the past five years or anticipated before 12/31/2026.

• Experience in polymer synthesis and use of analytical instrumentation for polymer characterization.
• Ability to obtain and analyze spectral data.
• Track record of research publications solving complex problems.

9/25/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone