A new hiring initiative of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers persons with backgrounds in medicine, science or administration a unique opportunity to utilize their expertise while serving their country in the war against terrorism.

If you are ambitious and seeking challenging career opportunities the FDA invites you to submit your resume for its new Countering Bioterrorism Initiative.

FDA is recruiting physicians, scientists and consumer safety officers to work in the agency's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) in a, "dynamic highly challenging and innovative atmosphere of biologics evaluation and research as it specifically pertains to countering bioterrorism."

Members of the team will be working to expedite the "development and licensing of products to diagnose, treat or prevent outbreaks from exposure to the pathogens that have been identified as bioterrorist agents."

To qualify for the positions listed, applicants must be U.S. citizens. Aliens with permanent US resident status can apply for Staff Fellowship appointments in physician and scientist positions. Graduates of foreign colleges and universities must provide proof of U.S. education equivalency certification.

Physicians from several different specialties are needed to evaluate data from testing and clinical trials of biological products to determine their effectiveness and safety. Basic qualification is a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy. Graduates of foreign medical schools must be ECFMG certified. Board certificate/eligibility in a medical specialty and experience is highly desirable for these positions. Annual salaries for physicians in regulatory positions range from $79,060 to $99,391, with those for physicians in research jobs running from $70,729 to $87,937. Additional Physician Comparability Allowances are also offered and all positions are subject to peer review.

Scientists specializing in biology, chemistry and microbiology are needed to evaluate sections of applications to market biological products pertaining to their area of expertise. They will also "create, plan and conduct independent research programs related to the development, manufacture, testing and use of biological products to develop a scientific base for establishing standards designed to ensure the continued safety, purity, potency, and efficacy of biological products," according to an FDA press release. A doctorate degree in the scientific disciplines with at least two years post-doc experience is highly desired for these positions, which will pay from $35,656 to $82,180 per year and may be subject to peer review.

Consumer Safety Officers or Regulatory Project Officers will provide management services in maintaining records, monitoring team progress, keeping team members abreast of regulatory requirements and coordinating information with manufacturers. Applicants need a degree or combination of education and experience which include at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in the fields of biological science, chemistry, pharmacy, physical science, food technology, nutrition, medical science epidemiology, engineering, veterinary medical science, or related scientific fields. Annual salary will range from $35,656 to $82,180.

For More Information
• Hiring Initiative for Countering Bioterrorism
• Specific Vacancy Announcements and Expanded Job Descriptions
• Benefits Information
• Related Office & Clerical Job Descriptions

To Apply
Send your application via e-mail to Recruitment@CBER.FDA.GOV or mail it to:

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research 
OM/DMS/PMSB/Recruitment, HFM-123 1401 
Rockville Pike Rockville, Maryland 20852 

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