Postgraduate Research Opportunity in Chemistry
An opportunity is available at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) in Bedford Park, Illinois.
CFSAN, in conjunction with the Agency's field staff, is responsible for promoting and protecting the public's health by ensuring that the nation's food supply is safe, sanitary, wholesome, and honestly labeled, and that cosmetic products are safe and properly labeled.
The project involves stakeholders across FDA, State and Local public health laboratories. Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participant will receive training and become proficient in 1) the use of LC-MS or ICP-MS for detecting and quantifying chemical contaminants and adulterants; and 2) analyzing data and the writing of summary proficiency test reports.
The participant will be trained in the following areas:
- Laboratory techniques to screen a range of food matrices, including biochemical, serological and rapid detection assays, such as immuno-assays and Real-Time PCR, LC-MS/MS, ICP-MS and others.
- Process of how to prepare, distribute and analyze proficiency testing and multi-laboratory method validation samples. Samples will have precisely controlled contaminants/adulterant as needed for proficiency testing/method validation study design.
- Observe and learn how to develop and validate sample preparation procedures, as necessary for multi-laboratory method validation studies.
- Assist in the statistical analysis of both qualitative and quantitative results from multi-laboratory method validation studies.
- Prepare reports, posters, presentations and manuscripts, as applicable, for each method validation.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate must have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
Preferred skills:
- Strong foundations in biochemistry and analytical chemistry
- Knowledge and skills in analytical procedures in a regulated laboratory
- Ability to generate and record laboratory data according to specifications, for e. g., FDA regulations
- Knowledge of laboratory quality control/quality assurance procedures
- Demonstrated ability to write scientific reports and manuscripts
This opportunity is available to U.S. Citizens only.
If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.FDA.CFSAN@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (FDA-CFSAN-2019-0006) in your email.