FDA Research Opportunity in Microbiology
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
MUST APPLY THROUGH EXTERNAL LINK. SUBMIT RESUME WITH APPLICATION.
A research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Office of Regulatory Science (ORS) located in College Park, Maryland.
Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular foodborne pathogen that can cause listeriosis among high-risk populations such as pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. L. monocytogenes has been implicated over the past few years in numerous foodborne outbreaks. Additionally, this pathogen is of major concern because of its high case-fatality rate, which ranges from 20% to 30%.
The participant will perform research under the guidance of the mentor in three major areas that are important to FDA’s mission. First, the participant will improve and validate cultural-based and molecular-based methods for the detection and enumeration methods for L. monocytogenes in select food and environmental matrices. Second, the participant will determine the survival or growth of L. monocytogenes in various food matrices, to promote our understanding of the risk of L. monocytogenes contamination in these foods. Third, the participant will use genomics tools to analyze L. monocytogenes from food, environmental and clinical sources to understand the epidemiology, biodiversity and virulence of this important pathogen.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will be involved in the following research activities:
- Development and validation of microbiological isolation and molecular detection and identification methodologies for L. monocytogenes in foods. These methods include, but are not limited to, PCR, immuno-magnetic separation, DNA-based detection, diagnostic plating, as well as other molecular and cultural approaches for the detection/isolation of Listeria spp.
- Development and validation of methods to enumerate levels of food contamination by Listeria monocytogenes. The incorporation of modern molecular methods and selective cultural media into enumeration methodology will be important in simplifying and speeding-up traditional enumeration methods.
- Identification of biodiversity, genotype distribution and genetic features of L. monocytogenes from food, environment and clinical sources. These information offers critical clues on the transmission, virulence, persistence and epidemiology of L. monocytogenes.
- Analyses of atypical food isolates of Listeria obtained by FDA field analysts and other laboratories as these may have regulatory importance. It is important that isolates be established as bona fide L. monocytogenes and not just mimics.
- Determination of the fate of L. monocytogenes in various food matrices, especially those emerging vehicles, to promote our understanding of the risk of L. monocytogenes contamination in these foods.
- Other laboratory analyses
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 College Park, 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 have completed at least seven semesters of college-level coursework in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
This opportunity is available to US citizens only.
If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.FDA.CFSAN@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (FDA-CFSAN-2020-0009) in your email.