FDA Postdoctoral Fellowship - Biofilm Associated Medical Device Related Infections

About the role

The FDA Office and Location: A postdoctoral research opportunity is available 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), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) located in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Research Project(s)

The objective of the research project is to advance the understanding of biofilms on medical devices which have been associated infections. The project will include developing methods of detection of biofilms on medical devices, methods for reproducible biofilm formation on devices and device surrogates, and methods for assessing effectiveness of antimicrobials to prevent biofouling.

Learning Objectives

• Learn how to develop, implement, troubleshoot, and improve biofilm growth methods using medical device materials.
• Develop methods for growing multi-species on medically relevant materials.
• Develop methods for growing biofilms on materials with complex geometries.
• Gain expertise in performing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results, using analytical methods of microbiology and biochemistry.
• Learn how to effectively communicate results to a wide scientific audience.

Mentor

The mentor(s) for this opportunity are Sara Linden (Sara.Linden@fda.hhs.gov) and Ruchi Pandey (Ruchi.pandey@fda.hhs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

The anticipated appointment start date is 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.

Completion of a Successful Background Investigation

To be eligible for this program, the participant must complete a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management.

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.

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