FDA Postdoctoral Fellowship - Analytical Chemistry

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research organization is offering a postdoctoral research opportunity in Silver Spring, Maryland. The role focuses on developing a web-based application for biocompatibility evaluation of medical devices through hands-on research and data analysis. Ideal candidates will have a recent doctoral degree in biology, chemistry, or related fields. This full-time appointment includes a monthly stipend and is suitable for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Apply by May 31, 2026, to participate in impactful research.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or received a doctoral degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry, or computer science.
• Degree must be received within the past five years.

Responsibilities

• Develop web-based applications for biocompatibility evaluation.
• Perform experiments and interpret results.
• Analyze mass spectrometry data.

Skills

Experiments and data analysis

Research methodologies

GC-MS

LC-MS

Presentation skills

Education

Doctoral degree in relevant field

Job description

FDA Office and Location

A postdoctoral 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 project is to develop a web‑based application that will facilitate biocompatibility evaluation of medical devices by streamlining extractable studies. We will use mass spectrometry data generated from medical device materials under different extraction conditions in conjunction with physics‑based modeling to develop the web‑based tool.

Learning Objectives / Responsibilities

• Gain expertise in chemical extractable and leachable studies for medical devices through performing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results.
• Learn how to develop and implement varied research methodologies.
• Gain expertise in analytical methods including GC‑MS and LC‑MS.
• Learn how to present to a wide scientific audience.

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Nameera Wegner ([e-mail]). Please contact the mentor for research related inquiries.

Appointment Details

• Start date: 2026 (flexible)
• Length: Initially one year, may be renewed upon recommendation and contingent on funds.
• Full time.
• Monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship Requirements

U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals may apply. Non‑U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the program website for acceptable immigration statuses.

Background & Ethics

• Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management is required.
• Applicants must reside in the U.S. for at least three of the past five years.
• ORISE Fellows and their families must disclose and divest any significantly regulated or prohibited investment funds.

Education & Training Agreement

Participants must read and sign the FDA Education and Training Agreement within 30 days of the start date. The agreement covers topics such as the non‑employee nature of the appointment, prohibition on performing inherently governmental functions, obligation to convey IP rights, property of research materials, and confidentiality obligations.

Qualifications

A qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree 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.

Eligibility Requirements

• Doctoral degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated by 5/31/2026.
• 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
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
    • Engineering
      • Life, Health and Medical Sciences

Affirmation

• I have lived in the United States for at least 36 out of the past 60 months.
• I have read the FDA Ethics Requirements.