Principal Investigator – Viral Vaccines

Office of Vaccines Research and Review (OVRR)

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

The FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Office of Vaccines Research and Review (OVRR) is recruiting to fill multiple Principal Investigator (Research/Review Scientist) positions within the Division of Viral Products (DVP).

DVP is located on the FDA White Oak Campus (Silver Spring, Maryland) and is part of the CBER research program, which includes more than 70 Principal Investigators. The White Oak Campus houses state-of-the-art laboratories and high-quality core facilities that include veterinary support, a vivarium, animal imaging, microscopy, flow cytometry, genomics, and proteomics. DVP investigators also have access to BSL-3 and ABSL-3 laboratories.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The selected candidates will be expected to develop a research program applicable to human viral vaccines. Areas of interest include emerging viruses, virus host interactions, viral vaccine immunity and development of new technologies related to viral vaccines.

Principal Investigators in DVP receive internal funding to support their research program and serve as product reviewers for licensed and experimental vaccines and novel treatment modalities. Successful candidates will receive start-up funds to establish their research program, which is expected to complement the existing programs within DVP. These programs focus on a variety of viral pathogens, immunology, live-, inactivated- and recombinant protein-vaccines. Additional information on the OVRR research groups can be found at: https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/biologics-research-projects/vaccines-research.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences (0401): Degree in Biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position, – OR – Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

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

REQUIRED SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Candidates must have at least 3 years of relevant postdoctoral laboratory experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, virology, immunology, or a related field, and must possess a publication record that demonstrates creativity, productivity, exceptional written and oral communication skills, and clear evidence of leadership potential. In addition, candidates must have demonstrated experience in performing state-of-the-art research that is relevant to the development and evaluation of new viral vaccines.

HOW TO APPLY: Submit a Curriculum Vitae, cover letter, statement of research interests (no more than 3 pages) that includes accomplishments and future plans related to viral vaccines, and contact information for three references to the DVP search committee at DVP.Search.Committee@fda.hhs.gov. Please reference DVP PI Position in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

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.

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 Service 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 are 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 www.SSS.gov 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 website at http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/WorkingatFDA/Ethics/default.htm.
• This position is subject to Executive Order 14043, mandating covid-19 vaccination for federal employees.
• Non-US and permanent residents are required to have resided in the United States for a minimum of three of the last five years.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: For additional information on CBER Careers, please visit:

• CBER Careers
• Scientific Careers at the 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.