FDA Evaluation of Platelets: Antimicrobial Treatments and Evaluation of the Treated Products for Functions
Research Project
Under the guidance of Dr. Atreya, you will be involved in the following hands-on research activities:
- Screens of novel antimicrobial methods and reagents as treatments useful for human blood safety from microbes
- Evaluation of the effect of the treatments on the functions of the blood components such as platelets etc.
- Development of functional quality biomarkers for blood components such as platelets
Learning Objectives
By the end of this training opportunity, you will:
- Learn how to handle human blood and platelets in a research set up
- Understand the in vitro functions of platelets and blood components that are essential for transfusion
- Gain hands-on experience in analyzing platelets and blood components after pathogen inactivation and other treatments
- Apply these learned skills in other research settings that involve human platelets and blood components
Mentor
The mentor for this opportunity is Chintamani Atreya (chintamani.atreya@fda.hhs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date
June 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length
The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of FDA and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation
The appointment is full time.
Participant Stipend
The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
Citizenship Requirements
This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.
Program Information
The ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is an educational and training program designed to provide college students, recent graduates, and university faculty opportunities to connect with the unique resources of the FDA. With the support of an assigned mentor, participants have authentic hands-on research experience and allows them access to unique research opportunities, top scientists and engineers, and state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years, or be currently pursuing. A doctoral degree is preferred.
Application Process
To apply, please follow the steps below:
- Submit a complete application consisting of:
- An application
- Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
- A 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.
If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.FDA.CBER@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Location
FDA Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Background Investigation
Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Participants do not become employees of FDA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.
ORISE Ethics Agreement
Participants must 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.
Additional Information
The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!