FDA Postgraduate Data Science Fellowship

A research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Office of Food Additive Safety (OFAS) located in College Park, Maryland.

OFAS review scientists spend a considerable amount of time researching extensive sources of information. In order to make our business process more efficient, OFAS is researching how to leverage techniques in advanced analytics such as natural language processing and machine learning to provide on-demand analytics and intelligent search capabilities to OFAS staff members. To this end, we are planning to create a Warp Intelligent Learning Engine (WILEE) knowledgebase that will house and manage the disparate databases created by review scientists or through other contract mechanisms. This will enable OFAS scientist get ready access to synthesized information within a single location that can be linked directly to one of the major systems (FARM, CERES/STARI) allowing more efficiencies in our day-to-day operations.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will learn about the types of information required to assess the safety of substances added to, or that come into contact with food. The participant will also learn what types of data and data sources are used by the agency to assess the safety of substances added to food. The participant will observe how to architect, develop and construct an operational data store to be used for advanced analytics. The participant will get hands-on experience with how to develop a data product that utilizes data housed in the knowledgebase.

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.

If you have questions, send an email to ORISE.FDA.CFSAN@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.