A research opportunity is available in the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity (OMHHE), within the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) located in Silver Spring, Maryland or Remote. The fellow will receive training on the impact of variations in epidermal melanin content on key clinical Optical Diagnostic technologies. This research will involve extensive review and discussion of scientific literature. From this discussion, the fellow will author sections of a manuscript on this topic and identify Best Practices for performance testing and computer modeling of optical devices with the potential for exhibiting racial disparities. Depending on the fellow's progress and interest, they may also participate in ongoing experimental research projects at FDA that address light-tissue interactions in skin with varying pigmentation levels. . Participant Learning Objectives include: (1) understanding factors that impact light-tissue interactions in skin and how melanin impacts these processes, (2) mastering the ability to aggregate knowledge from the literature into a concise and scientifically rigorous written work, (3) becoming proficient at converting scientific insights into practical techniques for standardized pre-clinical evaluation of device performance.

Additionally, the appointment can be full or part time (20-40 hours per week). Since the primary goals of this appointment are not laboratory-based, fully remote research is acceptable for highly qualified fellows with a strong track record of academic accomplishment. Anticipated Appointment Start Date: March 2023; Start date is flexible

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 8 months to a 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 a part-time or full- time on-site for laboratory research at FDA in the Silver Spring, Maryland area or remote. 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 (OPM) 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:

- Non-employee nature of the ORISE appointment - Prohibition on ORISE Fellows performing inherently governmental functions - Obligation of ORISE Fellows to convey all necessary rights to the FDA regarding intellectual property conceived or first reduced to practice during their fellowship - The fact that research materials and laboratory notebooks are the property of the FDA - ORISE fellow’s obligation to protect and not to further disclose or use non-public information

Preferred candidates should have: • Established track record of academic excellence. • Significant exposure to scientific laboratory research. • Experience in biomedical engineering and tissue optics, preferably with skills in reviewing scientific literature and writing scientific papers, as well as laboratory skills in biomedical optics.