FDA Mass Spectrometry Fellowship
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
A research opportunity is currently available in the Division of Bacterial, Parasitic and Allergenic Products (DBPAP), within the Office of Vaccines Research and Review (OVRR), at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Allergen extracts are used extensively to diagnose and treat allergic disease, including allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, asthma, and bee venom allergy. These allergen extracts are highly complex natural products, typically produced by a nonselective aqueous extraction process. Depending on the specific product, FDA regulates allergen extracts by comparing them to a US standard, or by enforcing consistent manufacturing methods and source material selection.
The purpose of this project is to develop mass spectrometric techniques to the characterization of allergen extracts. We have already successfully applied these methods to German cockroach extracts. Other targets will include Alternaria, mouse, dog, and dust mites.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will learn and perform the following research activities:
- basic proteomic analyses (PAGE, 2D PAGE, immunoblotting)
- protein purification (ammonium sulfate precipitation, size exclusion chromatography, affinity chromatography, immunoprecipitation)
- ELISA
- sequence analyses
- HPLC
- mass spectrometry
- multiple reactions monitoring mass spectrometry
In addition, the participant will have multiple opportunities to present and discuss data, orally and in writing.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 1, 2020
This 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 initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of FDA contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at FDA in the Silver Spring, Maryland, area. Participants do not become employees of FDA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.
Qualifications
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.
If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.FDA.CBER@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (FDA-CBER-2020-0022) in your email.