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Applicants

Applications are accepted from current students, recent graduates, and U.S. college/university faculty.


  • Eligibility

    The ORISE Research Participation Programs at FDA are educational and training programs designed to provide college students, recent graduates, and university faculty opportunities to participate in project-specific FDA research and developmental activities.

    Because of the educational nature of these programs, participants must fall into one of the following categories:

    1. Students must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM), and must maintain satisfactory progress in academic coursework.
    2. Postgraduates must have received their degree in an appropriate STEM discipline within five years of the appointment start date, or must complete all requirements for such a degree prior to the desired start date.
    3. Faculty must be full-time faculty from an accredited U.S. college or university.

    Established scientists interested in new research training activities will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the FDA program coordinator and ORISE management staff.

    Applications will be considered without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or covered veteran’s status.

    The Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) mandates a background check be completed for both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals. Foreign nationals must have resided in the U.S. for at least three (3) of the past five (5) years in order for FDA to be able to complete a background check. If the background check cannot be completed by the time the appointment is to start, the candidate may be denied the appointment.

    The program is typically open to qualified U.S. citizens, foreign citizens who are eligible to participate as J-1 Exchange Visitors, and foreign citizens eligible for other visa categories approved by FDA and ORISE. However, a few FDA offices may only appoint U.S. citizens due to the sensitive nature of the research performed and/or restricted facility access. Any such restrictions will be clearly stated in the project description of the opportunity posting. For more information on eligibility requirements for non-U.S. citizens, please see Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens.

     

  • Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens

    In this section you will find information which is intended to be used as a guide. If selected to participate, ORISE Immigration Services is required to verify your immigration status eligibility.

    There are various types of immigration statuses that allow foreign nationals to participate in some Research Participation Programs where U.S. citizenship is not required. Generally, participants are not required to hold U.S. citizenship. However, a few FDA offices may have restricted areas that may only allow U.S. citizens access due to the sensitive nature of the research performed. 

    FDA’s Security Regulation

    The Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) mandates a background check be completed for both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals. Foreign nationals must have resided in the U.S. for at least three (3) of the past five (5) years in order for FDA to be able to complete a background check. If the background check cannot be completed by the time the appointment is to start, the candidate may be denied the appointment as they would not have access to the facility that is required for participation.

    For more information please visit the ORISE Immigration website.
  • Prior to Starting the Appointment

    Although the mentor may have selected the candidate for a project, there are additional steps to follow before the candidate can be cleared to begin the appointment.

    Required Application Materials

    • ORISE application through Zintellect
    • Current résumé
    • Official transcript showing most recent degree
    • Two references from persons who are familiar with the candidate’s educational qualifications (including a reference from a current or past faculty member if possible)

    The general steps are outlined below:

    • FDA mentor submits the selection to the FDA program coordinator. FDA approval processes may vary from center to center, so please contact the FDA program coordinator for more information on FDA’s internal processes.
    • All candidates must accept the appointment offer from ORISE prior to reporting to the facility to ensure that they will be eligible to receive a stipend. The appointment letter adendum will outline any contingencies that must be met prior to starting their appointment.
    • All participants are required to have health insurance in place no later than the first day of the appointment and maintain health insurance throughout the duration of the appointment.
    • Selected candidates who are U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents must verify their citizenship before starting the appointment.
    • Selected candidates who are not U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents must consult with ORISE immigration staff upon acceptance of the appointment to ensure they have the authorizations necessary for participation. Selected candidates cannot start their appointment until the ORISE immigration staff have notified they are cleared to start. Also, see Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens for clarification on the types of authorizations acceptable for the program.
    • On the date the participant begins, the FDA program coordinator must certify that the candidate reported to the facility. Once all of these steps are complete, ORISE will begin stipend payments.

    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.

  • FDA Ethics Requirements

    FDA Ethics for Non-employee Scientists

    If an ORISE Fellow, to include their spouse and minor children, reports what is identified as a Significantly Regulated Organization (SRO) or prohibited investment fund financial interest in any amount, or a relationship with an SRO, except for spousal employment with an SRO, and the individual will not voluntarily divest the financial interest or terminate the relationship, then the individual is not placed at FDA. For additional requirements, see FDA Ethics for Nonemployee Scientists.

  • FDA Host Facilities

    ORISE gives students, recent graduates and U.S. faculty an opportunity to be paired with a staff scientist who will provide a hands-on research experience at one of FDA’s many offices or centers listed below. More information can be found about each office/center by clicking on each below:

  • Current Research Opportunities

    A list of all current opportunities with ORISE Research Participation Programs at the FDA.

    Find out more

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Answers to the questions most commonly asked by applicants.

    Can current students participate in research at FDA through ORISE?
    Current undergraduate and graduate students may hold appointments during the summer or part-time appointments during the semester. Please visit current opportunities to find projects that are currently accepting applications from students.

    Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to participate in ORISE programs?
    Non-citizens with appropriate immigration statuses are eligible for most FDA appointments; a few FDA research projects require U.S. citizenship for security reasons. For more information on eligible immigration statuses, please see Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens.

    The project I want to apply for requires a completed degree. Do I need to have my degree completed before I apply, or can I apply if I am earning it within a few months?
    If you anticipate receiving your degree shortly, then you may apply. If you are selected, you will be required to show proof of degree completion before beginning the appointment.

    How long will my appointment last?
    Initial appointments are usually made for a maximum of one year. They may be extended up to a maximum total of five years, based upon program needs, funding availability, and participant eligibility. Shorter appointments are also available, based upon program needs and candidate availability. Many project descriptions state the expected duration of the appointment. 

    How many references do I need? Will it help me to send more?
    One reference is required. Use your discretion as to whether additional references will strengthen your application by highlighting aspects of your background that were not addressed elsewhere. Selection officials will not be able to see your application until at least one reference has been submitted.

    Who should fill out a recommendation for me?
    You should obtain recommendations from people familiar with your educational and professional qualifications. At least one recommender should be a professor or other individual who can comment on your educational experience.

    How are participants selected?
    Participants are selected by the FDA mentor at FDA. ORISE staff will prescreen applications to ensure that all required materials have been received and that the participant has attained the required educational level, but are not otherwise involved in the selection process.

    How long does the application process take?
    If you have applied for a specific project, the FDA mentor for that project will determine how long applications will be accepted, and how long the review process will take. Once the mentor has selected a candidate, there are several steps that must be completed before the candidate can receive an appointment letter. The process between receiving your application and actual start date may vary depending on several factors including background checks and the security process.

    How to I know if the opportunity is still accepting applications?
    If you see the opportunity on Zintellect then it is still actively accepting applications. If no deadline is listed then applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

    Is there anything I can do to improve my chances of getting an appointment?
    Please ensure that all of the necessary application materials have been received and that you have obtained the necessary educational qualifications. Successful applicants generally apply for a specific project. Please review the current opportunities that are available.

    Are there opportunities at FDA through ORISE that are not posted on the ORISE website?
    All opportunities for ORISE Research Participation Programs at FDA are listed in Zintellect. Check back often for additional postings.

    My mentor has told me that I have been selected for an appointment. When will I receive notification from ORISE?

    All ORISE appointments must be approved by the FDA program coordinator. ORISE will send an appointment letter once this approval is received and the funding for the appointment is in place.

    Can I relocate before I receive my appointment letter?
    We do not advise you to do this. Only ORISE is authorized to offer you an appointment.