IT Services

Researcher I - Regulatory Proficiency Testing

Laurel, MDOnsiteFull TimePosted 1 month agoVisa sponsorship available

Is this role right for you?

Upload your resume and get a skill-by-skill breakdown — see exactly where you match, where you're close, and what to highlight. Not a mystery percentage.

Get a tailored resume highlighting what this role needs.

Required skills

FDA
analytical methods
aseptic cultural techniques
PCR
dPCR
WGS
MALDI-TOF
immunoassays
biosensors
GC-MS

Role summary

The FDA HFP is seeking a Researcher I to support its mission of ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of regulated foods. This role will be based in the DFPST Proficiency Testing (PT) Laboratory, which provides scientific support for FDA policy, regulation, and research, particularly in seafood safety. The researcher will conduct proficiency testing exercises, validate analytical methods, and support inter-laboratory studies. Key responsibilities include applying various analytical methods, performing stability and homogeneity studies, preparing and distributing food samples, analyzing inter-laboratory data, and preparing reports and publications. The position also involves coordinating laboratory operations with graduate students from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

The mission of FDA HFP is to assure the safety and wholesomeness of regulated foods and related products. DSST laboratories provide scientific support for Agency policy, regulation, compliance programs, research, and outbreak investigations related to seafood safety. The DFPST Proficiency Testing (PT) Laboratory, accredited under ISO/IEC 17043, serves as an FDA-designated Proficiency Test Provider supporting analytical capability and capacity across FDA, state, and local public health laboratories. The PT Laboratory conducts proficiency testing exercises and supports validation and verification of microbiological and chemical analytical methods through inter-laboratory studies and comparison exercises

Requirements

Researcher I - Proficiency Testing and Method Validation

Compare and apply FDA and other recognized analytical methods, including aseptic cultural techniques, PCR/dPCR, WGS, MALDI-TOF, immunoassays, biosensors, GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-OES/ICP-MS,spectroscopy, chromatography, and immunochemistry, as applicable.
Perform laboratory-scale homogeneity and stability studies involving pathogenic organisms, chemical contaminants, or biothreat agents in food matrices.
Prepare and distribute uniform, homogeneous, and stable food samples containing target pathogens or chemical contaminants to laboratory networks in accordance with approved study designs.
Collect, analyze, and summarize inter-laboratory data and detailed method parameters in accordance with applicable ISO 17043, ISO 13528, and ISO 5725 standards.
Prepare proficiency testing reports, manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, and posters or presentations for scientific conferences.
Coordinate and oversee applicable laboratory operations and work conducted with Illinois Institute of Technology graduate students.

Location: Onsite

Benefits

PPO/HMO Health Plan (includes medical, dental, and vision)
401K Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off (PTO)

Ready to apply?

You'll be redirected to Cognizance Technologies's application page.