FDA Program, Policy and Operational Analysis Fellowship

A research opportunity is available in the Office of Strategic Programs (OSP) / Office of Program & Strategic Analysis (OPSA), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Silver Spring, Maryland.

This project will support and analyze a broad range of proposed and current CDER programs and policies by conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses to address operational needs. OPSA assesses the impact and efficiency of CDER initiatives and programs, designs and implements new programs, advances structured benefit-risk assessment in regulatory decision making and evaluates key business processes using evidence-based approaches that assess the value of each step and leads to sustained practical solutions for complex problems. OPSA's work informs and influences organizational strategy and decision-making by senior management and serves as key input into decision-making around the related program, policy or operational issue.

Under the guidance of a mentor the participant will be trained on: conducting background research related to a policy or data need identified by the mentor, participating in the development of research methodology and project plan through contributing to relevant research, compiling and analyzing relevant qualitative and quantitative data, and synthesizing and presenting findings. This project is critical to our public health mission and the training will prepare the participant for a successful career transition into regulatory science research.

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 can be full-time or part-time (20 hours per week), at the participant's discretion, 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.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's, master's or doctoral 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.CDER@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (FDA-CDER-2020-0540) in your email.