The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation (ONADE), Division of Human Food Safety (DHFS) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Toxicologist. DHFS evaluates the human food safety of new animal drugs for food-producing animals, such as pigs, chickens, turkeys, cattle, and fish to ensure the edible tissues derived from food-producing animals treated with each new animal drug are safe for human consumption. This position is located on the Toxicology Team within the DHFS. Through our independent and collaborative evaluations, we support the Center’s scientific and regulatory goals. This position will be filled through FDA’s Staff Fellowship program.

As a member of the Toxicology Team in the DHFS, you will have a significant impact on the determination of whether an application to market a new animal drug should be approved based on scientific grounds, governing laws, and regulations. Specifically, you will:

• Review data and information submitted by the drug sponsors for addressing the human food safety and user safety; and
• Perform hazard and risk assessments for submissions on animal drugs; and
• Participate in meetings with the regulated industry and Center staff to discuss issues pertaining to toxicology and related fields; and
• Correspond with sponsors to provide recommendations for complex data requirements, and to request additional information, tests, and data when submission is not adequate; and
• Provide scientific advice and assistance on the potential health, safety, and toxicity of various products; and
• Provide direction, advice and opinions regarding potential toxicity of new animal drugs and other chemicals, and the impact of potential regulatory actions to be taken on a given compound or a broad class of agents.
• Meet with regulators from other countries and agencies to collaborate on common regulatory issues.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in the Toxicology, or related fields of relevant education and experience based on OPM guidelines. We are seeking applicants with:

• Experience in three or more of the following areas: general toxicology, immunotoxicology, neurotoxicology, genetic toxicology, computational toxicology, carcinogenesis, developmental toxicology, reproductive toxicology, endocrinology, and knowledge of risk assessment and emerging technologies; and
• Experience in non-clinical toxicology studies and/or in vitro toxicity studies; and
• Knowledge of experimental design and statistics; and
• Understanding of broad inferences using information from a variety of sources, sometimes limited in nature; and
• Excellent writing and verbal skills.

Due to the immensity of its charge, CVM depends upon a diverse and dedicated workforce. We recognize the importance of multi-disciplinary teamwork in reaching superior and timely regulatory decisions therefore we foster an atmosphere where every employee’s contribution is important. New concepts, ideas, and creative approaches to improve current operations and to meet existing and future challenges are encouraged. Our goal is to not only enable our employees to positively impact the Center today, but to prepare our workforce for the demands, responsibilities, and career opportunities of tomorrow.

This position may be eligible for Remote Work and require 25% travel. Remote work means the residence is the full-time official duty location. The salary is determined by the locality pay of the official duty station. Salaries for all areas are available on the OPM website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2023/general-schedule.. If selected for a remote work position, you must have access to high speed internet and cell phone service meeting current Agency standards from the approved work location within the Contiguous United States and sign a remote work agreement. Employees can be required to report to work on-site at their supervisor’s direction when in-person presence is needed. ONADE provides the basic technology (e.g., laptop, monitors, webcam) needed to effectively accomplish the work.

The position will be filled through FDA’s Staff Fellowship program. Appointments can be made up to five years but are typically effective and potentially renewed every two years. Staff fellows may have the opportunity to convert to permanent employees in the future. The salary range is equivalent to GS-11/12 based on experience and education. Further information regarding qualification requirements can be found by visiting the following links:

Locality pay tables: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2023/general-schedule.

Toxicology: Toxicology Series 0415 (opm.gov)

Please submit your letter of interest, resume, and transcripts to: CVMOpportunities@fda.hhs.gov with the subject line of “ONADE Staff Fellow Toxicologist Position ­­­­­­–Working at CVM.”

Questions may also be directed to the CVM Opportunities mailbox. Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2022.

**Applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be scheduled on a first come, first serve basis.**

Why CVM?
Safeguarding human and animal health is what we do. When you join our team, you impact this unique and amazing mission no matter your position. You also join a diverse community of exceptional people who encourage and support everyone to dream, inspire each other, and live our best lives, personally and professionally. When you join CVM, you join an incredible place to work.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants