CBER Staff Fellow/Visiting Associate – Pharmacology/Toxicology Reviewer

The FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Office of Therapeutic Products (OTP), Office of Pharmacology/Toxicology (OPT) is recruiting to fill multiple Staff Fellow/Visiting Associate positions to serve as Pharmacology/Toxicology Reviewers.

We encourage outstanding scientists and biomedical engineers with training and/or experience in Immunology/Immunotherapy, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Virology, Infectious Disease, Gene Therapy, Genetic Engineering, Regenerative Medicine/Tissue Engineering, Pharmacology/Toxicology, and/or Veterinary Sciences to apply!

The Office of Pharmacology/Toxicology is strongly committed to bringing scientists, patient advocates, and the public together in partnership to develop novel advanced therapies, while protecting human subjects and ensuring product safety and quality.

The selected candidate will join a top group of scientists and engineers in a fast-paced scientific and regulatory environment. The candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians, and biostatisticians to perform assessments of cutting-edge scientific and regulatory information for novel cell and gene therapy products submitted by top academics, small and large biotech companies, as well as large pharmaceutical companies. The candidate may also have opportunities to contribute to FDA policy and guidance development activities in a wide range of areas relevant to the regulation of innovative cell and gene therapy products.

RESPONSIBILITIES: As a Pharmacology/Toxicology Reviewer, the candidate will perform the following major duties:

Serves as the primary preclinical reviewer for regulatory submissions on a multidisciplinary team.

Evaluates preclinical data during premarket review of investigational products. Product types include genetically modified cells, viral and non-viral vectors for gene therapy, genome editing products, stem cell-derived products, immunotherapies, therapeutic vaccines, products for xenotransplantation, etc.

Provides science-based written and verbal feedback to sponsors regarding the design of their preclinical development program prior to investigational new drug (IND) submissions.

Reviews complex, cutting-edge preclinical programs in IND submissions to determine if there is adequate support for the rationale and safety of product administration in the proposed clinical trial.

Evaluates the nonclinical sections of Biologics License Applications (BLAs).

Represents the FDA at various scientific and regulatory meetings, as applicable.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: This position is multidisciplinary, and applicants will be required to meet the specific qualification requirements of the applicable occupational series below. Occupational Series which may be considered include General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences (RG-0401), Pharmacology (RG-0405), Toxicology (RG-0415), Biomedical Engineering (RG-0858), and Veterinary Medical Science (RG-0701).

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (M.D., D.V.M., or Sc.D., etc.) is required.

PREFERRED SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Experience with research projects investigating gene therapy products, stem cell therapy, and/or regenerative medicine/tissue-engineered products, and experience conducting experiments in animals is highly desirable.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit the U.S. Department of Education website for Foreign Education Evaluation.

ANNUAL SALARY: Salary is commensurate with education and experience, including an excellent benefits package.

LOCATION: FDA White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, MD.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: This position will be filled through the FDA’s Staff Fellowship Program, with an initial appointment period followed by opportunities for renewal. Applications will be accepted from all groups of qualified candidates, including U.S. citizens or non-U.S. Citizens holding valid immigration status and work authorization at the FDA. No previous Federal experience is required. Appointment does not confer any entitlement to a position in the competitive service, and during the initial appointment there is no entitlement to Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) appeals rights.

One-year probationary period may be required.

Official Transcripts required.

Background and/or Security investigation required.

If applicant is an U.S. Citizen, males born on, or after, December 31st, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System or have an approved exemption. Visit the Selective Service System for more info.

Prohibited financial interest restrictions may apply. For additional information on the prohibited financial interests, please visit the FDA Ethics and Integrity Office webpage.

Non-US and permanent residents are required to have resided in the United States for a minimum of three of the last five years.

HOW TO APPLY: Please submit your resume or curriculum vitae with a cover letter containing a brief summary of your scientific accomplishments to Allen Wensky at Allen.Wensky@fda.hhs.gov and Alyssa Galaro at Alyssa.Galaro@fda.hhs.gov. Applications and all supporting documentation will be accepted through January 31, 2025. Please reference Job Code: OTP-25-02-FDA.

HHS/FDA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER WITH A SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT