The Office of Regulatory Science in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition is seeking a Food Scientist, Biologist or Biochemist to conduct research in our food allergen and gluten research program. This is a post-doctoral position potentially renewable for up to 5 years. The primary research goal for this position is to develop and validate immunodiagnostic methods for detection and quantitation of gluten in fermented and hydrolyzed food products.  In our laboratory, we have successfully developed and validated a multiplex-competitive ELISA method for the quantitation of gluten in select fermented dairy products, and we are extending this work to other fermented and hydrolyzed food matrices. 

The primary responsibilities of this position will include planning and conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing and managing data, and preparing manuscripts and presenting research findings at scientific conferences.

Details can also be found at https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/FDA-CFSAN-2023-0002

A Ph.D. in Food Science, Biology, Biochemistry, or related fields is required and must have been obtained within the past 5 years. Candidates currently pursuing their PhD degree and expecting to graduate by summer or fall of 2023 are also encouraged to apply. Applicants to this position should have a strong background and interest in immunodiagnostic methods such as ELISA and western blot. Candidates should have experience working with food proteins, specifically with food allergens and/or gluten, and have knowledge or experience working with complex food matrices such as fermented and hydrolyzed products. Knowledge or experience in preparing allergen incurred food matrices to support method development and validation is highly desirable. The ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing is essential.

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. U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is required.  The position is located at FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition in College Park, MD.  Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, names of references, and a statement describing how their experience, skills and interests are suited to this position to: Rakhi Panda, Ph.D., Chemical Hazards and Contaminants Branch, Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Office of Regulatory Science, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, HFS-716, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD, 20740.  Email: Rakhi.Panda@fda.hhs.gov.  Phone: 240.402.1970.