FDA Public Health and Regulatory Research Fellowship

Program Overview

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Research Participation Program provides a one‑year research fellowship at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Commissioner (OC) in White Oak, Maryland. Fellows investigate regulatory science, global health policy, and emerging technologies while contributing to FDA’s domestic and global regulatory science mission.

• Participate in one of the four featured research projects: (1) Substandard and Falsified Medical Products (SFMPs); (2) Research Supporting Foreign Office Operations; (3) Artificial Intelligence Integration in FDA Research and Operations; (4) Generic Drug Approval Programs and Market Competition.
• Conduct data analysis, literature reviews, and supply‑chain investigations as required for each project.
• Collaborate with FDA mentors, write scientific and policy‑relevant publications, and design AI tools or frameworks within regulatory contexts.
• Attend training programs and seminars, and develop skills in scientific writing, policy analysis, and emerging technologies such as AI.

Throughout the fellowship, fellows will gain experience in regulatory science, global health policy, international affairs, data analysis, scientific writing, policy analysis, and AI‑driven research strategy, equipping them for advanced careers in government, academia, or the private sector.

• Full‑time position.
• Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
• Exposure to FDA’s regulatory network and real‑world policy challenges.

• Citizenship: U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Education:
  
  Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in a STEM field. Disciplines include Chemistry, Materials Sciences, Earth and Geosciences, Engineering, Life Health and Medical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Science & Engineering‑related, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and others.
• Program applicants must read and sign the FDA Education and Training Agreement within 30 days of start date.

Submit a complete application, including a current resume/CV, transcripts, and one educational or professional recommendation. If you have questions, contact ORISE.FDA.OC.other and reference code FDA-OC-. Final date to receive applications: 9/18/2026 3:00 PM Eastern Time Zone.

Mentor:
Harinder Chahal (ophsa.gov). Point of Contact:
Ashley.

Participants are not employees of FDA, DOE, or ORISE and receive no employment‑related benefits. Successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management is required for onboarding.

Students must understand FDA ethics and non‑employee obligations; see FDA Ethics for Nonemployee Scientists and the FDA Education and Training Agreement.