Staff Fellow Vacancy: Research Engineer
View full vacancy announcement here: https://www.fda.gov/media/159824/download
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Office of the Commissioner (OC), Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS), Office of Counterterrorism and Emerging Threats (OCET). The FDA is a Federal scientific law enforcement agency with the legislated responsibility to protect and promote the public health of the Nation’s consumers. FDA also plays a significant role in the Nations’ counterterrorism capability by ensuring security of the food supply and by fostering development of medical products to respond to deliberate and naturally emerging public health threats.
OCET develops and coordinates the implementation of comprehensive FDA plans and strategies for these portfolios in collaboration with FDA centers and offices, and with external U.S. government and international partners. Coordinates FDA’s Medical Countermeasures Initiative (MCMi) to facilitate the development of safe and effective MCMs against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents and emerging threats, such as pandemic influenza. OCET also develops and coordinates implementation of FDA policies and procedures to facilitate the availability of MCMs, including efforts to safeguard MCMs from adulteration or disruption of supplies during public health emergencies, and enable access to available MCMs when necessary, through an appropriate mechanism, such as Emergency Use Authorization.
The Advanced Manufacturing Team is responsible for the developing and maintaining computational manufacturing models used in the OCET Advanced Manufacturing demonstration facility. Technologies such as smart manufacturing, closed loop controls, continuous cell culture, and other emerging innovations will be researched. The team will also collaborate with Center researchers to plan and conduct research, and provide technical expertise to FDA advanced manufacturing activities.
Specific duties include the following:
- Use their engineering expertise and experience with modeling and computer aided design software to operate and maintain the demonstration facility.
- Contribute to development and evaluation of OCET and OCS advanced manufacturing regulatory science priorities, grant programs, and strategy and create training opportunities for Agency researchers, regulators, and policy makers to gain experience in emerging advanced manufacturing techniques.
- Provide demonstrations and training sessions to FDA staff and other groups organized by the OCET Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Program.
- Prepare scientific papers, reviews, and reports as needed to document the vendor’s activities in support of the OCET Advanced Manufacturing activities.
Educational Experience Requirements
Applicants will be required to possess either a PhD or master’s degree from an ABET accredited institution or combination of education and experience that meets the specific qualification requirements of the General Engineering Series (GS-0801) occupational series below.
Professional Experience Requirements
Applicants should have experience with:
- Operating, maintaining, and programming robotic or automated production systems (e.g. additive manufacturing systems, conveyor-based systems, robotic assisted equipment).
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithm training and use are highly desirable
To qualify as a Staff Fellow, you must be a US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Non-Citizen with residency status in the U.S., three (3) out of the last five (5) years. The positions are located in Silver Spring area of Maryland. The positions will be filled through FDA’s Staff Fellowship program. Appointments will be made up for up to two years with opportunities for renewal. Applicants may be required to live in, or be willing to relocate to, the greater Washington DC area. The salary range is $74,950 to $116,788 based on experience and education.
How to Apply
Please submit your letter of interest, resume, and transcripts to: OCETAdvancedManufacturing@fda.hhs.gov with the subject line of “OCET Research Engineer Staff Fellow Positions.” Questions may also be directed to the OCET Advanced Manufacturing mailbox. Applications will be accepted through August 1, 2022.
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate.