FDA Fellowship - Computational Toxicology

Research Project

This research project aims to develop quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models. The selected participant will learn to harvest and interpret toxicology data, develop and apply QSAR models, and communicate research results to both internal and external stakeholders.

Learning Objectives

• Learn to develop and apply data-mining tools
• Review, extract, and harmonize data from literature
• Construct and enhance training databases for modeling purposes
• Learn to develop, validate and optimize (Q)SAR models
• Construct chemical structure-linked knowledge bases

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Lidiya Stavitskaya. If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact DARS@fda.hhs.gov.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

July 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, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

Program Information

The 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 participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. 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.

Background Investigation

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.

Qualification Requirements

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields or be currently pursuing a doctoral degree with anticipated completion by July 31, 2026. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

I am a U.S. citizen, or I have lived in the United States for at least 36 out of the past 60 months. (36 months do not have to be consecutive.)

and

I have read the FDA Ethics Requirements.