FDA Research Opportunity in Human Blood Infections

A research opportunity is currently available in the Office of Blood Research and Review (OBRR), at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Syphilis was transmitted by blood transfusion in the past but no new cases have been reported in the past 50 years. Several factors are responsible for the decline of transfusion-transmitted syphilis, one especially important factor is thought to be the effect of refrigeration on the survival of the treponemes (treponemes are the microorganism that causes syphilis) in blood. A recent resurgence of syphilis in high-risk U.S. populations is concerning due to its potential spread to low-risk populations, like blood donors. FDA, under 21 CFR § 610.40(i), requires that blood centers test for evidence of syphilis infection on each unit of donated whole blood. The question was raised whether universal testing of blood donors for syphilis remains a valuable safety measure when the blood components are stored in the cold. We will conduct a study to specifically assess the effect of cold storage of platelets on treponemes survival. We will mix human platelets with treponemes and use rabbits to test for syphilis infection.

This opportunity will allow the selected participant to learn about research that supports FDA mission of improving public health. The participant will acquire experience in Treponema pallidum infection of the rabbit model, will be trained on techniques for detecting Treponema pallidum, develop new skills on blood infectious diseases, develop blood-based immunoassays, and enhance their communication skills by presenting their findings to the FDA/CBER community. This training will advance the participant's career goals as a researcher. The participant will also be able to apply the newly acquired experience and education at FDA to other future career opportunities. 

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.FDA.CBER@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (FDA-CBER-2020-0021) in your email.