*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis, and this opportunity will remain open until filled.

A research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) located in Winchester, Massachusetts.

The selected participant will be involved in designing light inducible photothermal surface functionalization on selected implant surfaces. The fellow will assist in evaluating the safety and efficacy of these nano-functionalized surfaces in inhibiting biofilm formation of implant infection- associated pathogens including nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and Staphylococcus aureus. The fellow will participate in all phases of designing, optimizing and characterization of nano-functionalized implant surfaces and development of anti-biofilm technologies against pathogens.

Under the direction of a principal investigator, the fellow will be involved in the following activities:

• Prepare, optimize and characterize implant surfaces functionalized with Nanoparticles of various size and shapes independently
• Perform cell-based cytotoxicity assays
• Establish bacterial biofilms using static and continuous flow models
• Perform bacterial enumeration and viability assays
• Perform photo-thermal laser ablation of bacterial biofilms
• Analyze data and synchronize results
• Apply critical thinking and sound judgment when solving problems
• Maintain regular communication with the mentor by providing weekly progress updates, discuss any problems incurred in data collection or conducting studies, and making recommendations for improvements
• Write and submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals
• Present research findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences

Learning objectives will include:

• Develop strong analytical skills and lean how to approach problems with scientifically sound methodologies and creativity.
• Learn various biofilm modeling and quantification methodologies
• Communicate scientific operations to nonscientific audiences.

This opportunity also provides the selected research fellow with an excellent opportunity to:

• Collaborate with FDA scientists in diverse research laboratories throughout the project
• Learn about FDA regulatory processes
• Present research finding at various national and/or international scientific meetings
• Author peer-reviewed journal articles and contribute to grant proposals                         
• Communicate scientific operations to nonscientific audiences.   

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: As soon as a qualified candidate is identified (start date is flexible)

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 three to four months, 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 Winchester, Massachusetts, area. Participants do not become employees of FDA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.