FDA Fellowship in the Mechanisms Underlying the Fitness Effects of Synonymous Genetic Variants

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

FDA Office and Location: A research opportunity is currently available at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), in the Office of Therapeutic Products(OTP), under the Office Plasma Protein Therapeutics (OTTP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Research Project: Dr. Kimchi-Sarfaty’s lab is broadly interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying the fitness effects of synonymous genetic variants. The successful candidate will collaborate as part of a group that includes biochemists, molecular biologists and computational biologists and collaborate with other research groups. A broad array of techniques will be used to address urgent unmet needs related to protein therapeutics. Applicants should have prior hands-on experience in routine molecular biology techniques and cell culture. Ability to act collaboratively and adopt new technologies outside their comfort zone is an essential quality for this appointment. Previous trainees have co-authored peer-reviewed publications, and several have successfully matriculated to graduate or medical school.

Learning Objectives: The selected participant will join a research project that employs in silico tools and in vitro assays to understand the mechanisms by which synonymous genetic variants affect the expression and physio-chemical properties of recombinant proteins using hemostasis proteins as models. 

Anticipated Start Date: May 1, 2024.

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.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.

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.

FDA Ethics Requirements

If an ORISE Fellow, to include their spouse and minor children, reports what is identified as a Significantly Regulated Organization (SRO) or prohibited investment fund financial interest in any amount, or a relationship with an SRO, except for spousal employment with an SRO, and the individual will not voluntarily divest the financial interest or terminate the relationship, then the individual is not placed at FDA. For additional requirements, see FDA Ethics for Nonemployee Scientists . 

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.