FDA Machine Learning and Statistics Research Fellowship
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
A postdoctoral research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories (OSEL), Division of Imaging, Diagnostics, and Software Reliability (DIDSR), located in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will collaborate with a multidisciplinary research group (engineers, physicists, and clinicians) on diagnostic device evaluation and performance monitoring. The primary research focus will be developing and implementing assessment methodologies for diagnostic devices in the absence of an error-free gold standard. We are particularly interested in post-market monitoring of devices that rely on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) when only a “lower-level” reference is available, as could be the case for real-world data collection and monitoring. The participant will have an opportunity to collaborate with members of our division on other projects that involve statistical assessment of devices that incorporate AI/ML.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 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.
Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at FDA. OPM can complete a background investigation only for individuals, including non-US Citizens, who have resided in the US for a total of three of the past five years.
FDA requires ORISE participants to read and sign their FDA Education and Training Agreement within 30 days of his/her start date, setting forth the conditions and expectations for his/her educational appointment at the agency. This agreement covers such topics as the following:
- Non-employee nature of the ORISE appointment;
- Prohibition on ORISE Fellows performing inherently governmental functions;
- Obligation of ORISE Fellows to convey all necessary rights to the FDA regarding intellectual property conceived or first reduced to practice during their fellowship;
- The fact that research materials and laboratory notebooks are the property of the FDA;
- ORISE fellow’s obligation to protect and not to further disclose or use non-public information.
If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.FDA.CDRH@orau.org.