FDA Anti-Biofilm Technology Development Research Fellowship
*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), Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA), Winchester Engineering and Analytical Center (WEAC) located in Winchester, Massachusetts.
The WEAC in collaboration with ORA nanotechnology CORE facility in Arkansas Research Laboratory and the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) is developing a new anti-biofilm technology to disrupt biofilms associated with implantable medical devices. We are seeking a highly motivated recent PhD graduate with a strong background in nanomaterial fabrication and characterization to be part of this highly interdisciplinary research project.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participant will be involved in designing light inducible photothermal surface functionalization on selected implant surfaces. The participant will contribute to evaluating the safety and efficacy of these nano-functionalized surfaces in inhibiting biofilm formation of implant infection- associated pathogens including nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and Staphylococcus aureus. The participant will participate in all phases of designing, optimizing and characterization of nano-functionalized implant surfaces and development of anti-biofilm technologies against pathogens.
Under the direction of a principal investigator, the participant will be involved in the following research activities:
- Prepare, optimize and characterize implant surfaces functionalized with hybrid NPs of various size and shapes independently
- Perform cell-based cytotoxicity assays
- Establish bacterial biofilms using static and continuous flow models
- Perform bacterial enumeration and viability assays
- Analyze data and synchronize results
- Apply critical thinking and sound judgment when solving problems
- Maintain regular communication with the mentor by providing weekly progress updates, discuss any problems incurred in data collection or conducting studies, and making recommendations for improvements
- Write and submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals
- Present research findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences
The learning objectives for the participant will include:
- Develop strong analytical skills and lean how to approach problems with scientifically sound methodologies and creativity
- Learn various biofilm modeling and quantification methodologies
- Communicate scientific operations to nonscientific audiences
This research opportunity also provides the participant with an excellent opportunity to:
- Collaborate with FDA scientists in diverse research laboratories throughout the project
- Learn about FDA regulatory processes
- Present research finding at various national and/or international scientific meetings
- Author peer-reviewed journal articles and contribute to grant proposals
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 Winchester, Massachusetts, 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 doctoral degree 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 and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.
If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.FDA.OC.other@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (FDA-ORA-2020-0004) in your email.