FDA Summer 2022 Research Opportunity in Additive Manufacturing of Medical Devices

A research opportunity is available in the Division of Applied Mechanics (DAM) in the Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories (OSEL), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) located in Silver Spring, Maryland.

This project involves evaluating Additive Manufacturing (AM) and wrought material properties. This will be done through the physical testing of samples via tools such as load frames. The project also involves performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to investigate the performance of medical device models using the data collected.

The participant's learning opportunities may also include:

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 four months in the summer, 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 and will be a mix of in-person and virtual experiences, heavily weighted to in-person, at FDA in the Silver Spring, Maryland, area. Candidates must be able to meet all requirements to work on a Federal Campus including adhering to COVID-19 Protocols. 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 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: