FDA Internship - Biofilm Associated Medical Device Related Infections

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 20,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

FDA in Silver Spring, Maryland offers a research opportunity administered by ORISE. The appointment with the FDA’s Division of Biology, Chemistry and Materials Science is full‑time for one year and may be renewed based on performance and funds.

It focuses on advancing understanding of biofilms on medical devices, including detection methods and evaluating antimicrobial effectiveness. Eligible candidates are pursuing or have recently completed a bachelor's or master's in biology, chemistry,

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or have completed a bachelor's or master's in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, or related field.
• Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Education

Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in relevant field

Job description

Organization

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Reference Code

FDA-CDRH-2026-0008

Application Deadline

9/30/2027 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

FDA Office and Location

A research opportunity is available in the Division of Biology, Chemistry and Materials Science (DBCMS) within the Office of Science and Engineering Labs (OSEL) at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) located in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Research Project(s)

The objective of the research project is to advance the understanding of biofilms on medical devices which have been associated infections. The project will include developing methods of detection of biofilms on medical devices, methods for reproducible biofilm formation on devices and device surrogates, and methods for assessing effectiveness of antimicrobials to prevent biofouling.

Learning Objectives

• Learn how to implement biofilm growth methods and trouble shoot biofilm experiments on medical device materials.
• Gain expertise in performing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results, using analytical methods of microbiology and biochemistry.
• Learn how to effectively communicate results to a wide scientific audience.

Mentor

The mentor(s) for this opportunity are Sara Linden ([e-mail]) and Ruchi Pandey ([e-mail]). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length

The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of FDA and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation

The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend

The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

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 participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. 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.

Education

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.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's or master's in a relevant field (e.g., biology, microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science), with completion by May 31, 2026. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Point of Contact

Richard

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/31/2026 11:59:00 PM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Bio-inorganic Chemistry
  • Bio-organic Chemistry
  • Biophysical Chemistry
  • Chemistry (General)
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Materials Sciences
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Theoretical Chemistry
• Engineering (29 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
    • Affirmation I have lived in the United States for at least 36 out of the past 60 months. (36 months do not have to be consecutive.) and I have read the FDA Ethics Requirements.