FDA Postdoctoral Fellowships in Cell and Gene Therapy

About the role

The FDA Office and Location: Two postdoctoral ORISE Fellowships are available in the laboratory of Dr. Nirjal Bhattarai in the Office of Therapeutic Products (OTP) at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Research Projects

• Develop expertise in cell and gene therapy product assessment
• Apply advanced experimental approaches
• Investigate mechanisms underlying product performance and biological response
• Identify determinants of quality and function
• Integrate translational science with regulatory considerations
• Strengthen scientific communication and interdisciplinary collaboration skills

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Nirjal Bhattarai (Nirjal.Bhattarai@fda.hhs.gov).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

The anticipated appointment start date is September 10, 2026 or earlier. 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.

Preferred Skills

• Experience aligned with either research area is desirable.
• For the gene therapy project, experience in AAV gene therapy is advantageous.
• For the NAMs project, a strong background in microfluidics and materials science is preferred; experience in cell and gene therapy, AAV biology, or immune cell engineering is also desirable.
• Strong collaborative skills and excellent written and oral communication skills.

Qualifications

Applicants should have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields (bioengineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, biological sciences, or a related discipline). Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Application Process

• A complete application consists 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
• - Two educational or professional recommendation
• - Applicants may indicate interest in Project Area 1, Project Area 2, or both in their cover letter.

Contact Information

If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.FDA.CBER@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Background Investigation

Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at FDA.

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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