FDA Interventional Radiological Imaging and Visualization (IRIS) Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; White Oak (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible start date

Mentorship from FDA professionals

Exposure to regulatory science challenges

Job summary

A leading research institute is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in White Oak, Maryland. The position involves hands-on expertise in AI and robotics systems, focusing on developing innovative methodologies for imaging validation. Candidates must have a Master's or Doctoral degree in a relevant discipline within the last 60 months. This full-time role offers extensive learning opportunities in regulatory science addressing modern medical technology challenges. Mentorship is provided by experienced FDA professionals, and the appointment may be renewed based on performance and funding availability.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or have received a Master's or Doctoral degree.
• Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated by 5/31/2026.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on expertise in AI navigation and robotics systems integration.
• Participate in developing performance assessment methods for autonomous systems.
• Work on mixed reality applications and imaging validation methodologies.

Skills

Artificial Intelligence

Robotics

Computer Vision

Human Language Processing

Machine Learning

Education

Master’s or Doctoral Degree in relevant fields

Job description

Reference Code

FDA-CDRH-2026-0005

Application Deadline

9/30/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

FDA Office and Location

A Postdoctoral Fellow opportunity is available immediately with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), located in White Oak, Maryland.

Research Project

The IRIS program addresses critical regulatory science challenges in three related and emerging medical technology domains: interventional and autonomous systems, extended reality technologies, and novel imaging validation and evaluation methodologies. This integrated project aims to develop specialized laboratory capabilities and personnel expertise to evaluate autonomous surgical robotics, mixed reality medical applications, and phantom-based alternatives. The project provides extensive learning and development opportunities across these critical areas. Participants will gain exposure to emerging regulatory science challenges, including developing performance assessment methods for autonomous interventional systems, testing protocols across multiple technologies, and creating validation approaches using digital twins and anthropomorphic phantoms to reduce clinical trial burden.

Learning Objectives

• Hands‑on expertise in AI navigation and robotics systems integration, real‑time imaging technologies, and performance validation protocols.
• Knowledge of optical and X‑ray system calibration, mixed‑reality hardware integration, and evaluation methods for extended reality applications.
• Advanced skills in imaging and navigation test object fabrication using additive manufacturing, tissue‑mimicking material characterization, and multi‑modal imaging protocol evaluation.

Mentor

The mentor(s) for this opportunity are Aldo Badano ([e-mail]) and Nirmal Soni ([e-mail]). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentors.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

Spring 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

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 must refer to the program website for acceptable immigration statuses.

Program Administration

Managed by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy. Participants receive a stipend and must provide proof of health insurance. Participants do not become employees of FDA, DOE, or the program administrator.

Background Investigation

Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management is required. OPM can conduct background investigations only for individuals who have resided in the U.S. for a total of three of the past five years.

FDA Ethics Requirements

ORISE Fellows, and their families, must disclose and divest any significantly regulated organization financial interests as required. See FDA Ethics for Non‑employee Scientists for full details.

Education

Participants must read and sign the FDA Education and Training Agreement within 30 days of start date. The agreement covers non‑employee nature, prohibition of performing governmental functions, IP obligations, property of research materials, and non‑disclosure.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the following fields:

Eligibility Requirements

Degree: Master’s or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/31/2026 12:00:00 AM.

• Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
  • Artificial Intelligence (including Robotics, Computer Vision, Human Language Processing, and Machine Learning)
  • Computer Architecture and Grids
  • Computer Science – Languages and Systems
  • Computer Science – Theoretical Foundations
  • Computer Science (general)
  • Computer Systems Analysis
  • Computer Systems Design (including Signal Processing)
  • Data Science
  • Databases, Information Retrieval, and Web Search
  • Graphics and Visualization
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Information Science and Technology
  • Information Security and Assurance
  • Networks and Communications
  • Operating Systems and Middleware
  • Scientific Computing and Informatics
  • Software Engineering
• Engineering
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Physics

Affirmation

I have lived in the United States for at least 36 of the past 60 months (months do not need to be consecutive) and I have read the FDA Ethics Requirements.

Point of Contact

Ashley