Jobs

FDA Functionalities of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Fellowship

Posted on: September 15, 2020 Apply Now
Research/Fellowship Expires March 31, 2021

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

A research opportunity is available in the Office of Biotechnology Products (OBP), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) located in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) based therapy is a new pillar of the anticancer therapy; however, the mechanisms of action (MOA) of ICI remain poorly understood. In addition to T cells, ICI might exert its anticancer effects via modulation NK cells. Understanding the MOA of ICI will facilitate developing novel anti-cancer therapy for cancer patients.

Throughout the course of this research project, the participant will gain experience related to an integrative approach to understanding the linkage between growth factor and developmental signaling networks. The participant will receive instruction related to the scientific background and regulatory challenges in this area, be mentored on technical issues, experimental design and research methods, and learn approaches to data analysis and evaluation. The participant will also be provided with opportunities to communicate scientific data through presentations to peers and/or written communications and receive constructive feedback.

The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) performs an essential public health task by making sure that safe and effective drugs are available to improve the health of people in the United States. As part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), CDER regulates over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including biological therapeutics and generic drugs. This work covers more than just medicines.

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.

The Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) mandates a background check be completed for both U.S. Citizens and foreign nationals. Foreign nationals must have resided in the U.S. for at least three (3) of the past five (5) years in order for FDA to be able to complete a background check.

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.CDER@orau.org.

Apply Now