Fellowship in Method Development for Toxic Element Speciation Analysis in Foods and Dietary Supplements

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

Anticipated Start Date in June 2024.

The project involves development and validation of a method for chromium speciation analysis in foods and dietary supplements. The candidate will learn how to evaluate existing methods for extraction and quantification of chromium species in a regulatory setting and develop methods that can meet the objectives of this study. The participant will receive hands-on training on the use of various sample preparation and analytical techniques including microwave-assisted sample digestion, extraction techniques, ICP-MS and HPLC-ICP-MS. The candidate will also learn method validation procedures to establish the performance of the developed method to enable assessment of their applicability. The candidate will conduct laboratory experiments to help evaluate and validate the analytical procedures under study and collaboration with the mentor in the preparation of reports and scientific manuscripts. The method will be used for regulatory or surveillance activities to ensure the safety of the food supply and accuracy of food and dietary supplement labeling.

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 one year, 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 College Park, Maryland, area. 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.

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in Analytical Chemistry or related fields within the last five years, or be currently pursuing the degree and will reach completion by the start date of the appointment.

Preferred skills:

• Applicants to this opportunity should have a strong background and interest in elemental and speciation analysis
• Candidates should possess experience in sample preparation and analysis
• Knowledge or experience in using HPLC and ICP-MS techniques is highly desirable
• The ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing is desirable

The application must be completed through Zintellect. https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/FDA-CFSAN-2024-08