FDA Postdoctoral Fellowship - Analytical Chemistry

How to Apply

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

• An application
• Transcripts –  for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
• Current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• One educational or professional recommendation
• All documents must be in English or include an official English translation

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

FDA-CDRH-

3/31/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

A postdoctoral research opportunity in the Division of Biology, Chemistry and Materials Science (DBCMS) within the Office of Science and Engineering Labs (OSEL) at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), FDA located in Silver Spring, Maryland.

The objective is to develop a web-based application to facilitate biocompatibility evaluation of medical devices by streamlining extractable studies. Mass spectrometry data will be combined with physics-based modeling to develop the tool.

• Gain expertise in chemical extractable and leachable studies for medical devices through experiments, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Learn how to develop and implement varied research methodologies.
• Gain expertise in analytical methods including GC‑MS and LC‑MS.
• Learn how to present to a wide scientific audience.

Dr. Nameera Wegner (nameera.wegner.gov)

• Start date:
  
  Anticipated 2026, start date flexible.
• Length:
  Initially one year, may be renewed upon recommendation and contingent on funding.
• Participation:
  Full time.
• Stipend:
  Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Program administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, established through an interagency agreement between DOE and FDA. Participants receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation. Participants are not employees of FDA, DOE, or the program administrator and have no employment‑related benefits.

• Available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals.
• Non‑U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non‑U.S. Citizens Details page for acceptable immigration statuses.

Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management is required for onboarding  can complete a background investigation only for individuals who have resided in the U.S. for a total of three of the past five years.

• Non‑employee nature of the ORISE appointment.
• Prohibition on ORISE Fellows performing inherently governmental functions.
• Obligation to convey all necessary rights to the FDA regarding IP conceived during the fellowship.
• Research materials and laboratory notebooks are property of the FDA.
• Obligation to protect and not disclose non‑public information.

Candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, etc., with completion by May 31, 2026. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

• Doctoral degree received within last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/31/2026.
• Disciplines:
  Chemistry and Materials Sciences;
  Computer/Information/Data Sciences;
  Engineering;
  Life Health and Medical Sciences.

Ashley

I have lived in the United States for at least 36 out of the past 60 months (36 months not necessarily consecutive). I have read the FDA Ethics Requirements.