By: Jesse Goodman, M.D., M.P.H.
As a physician and a scientist, I value being part of a rich, vibrant scientific community. Since coming to FDA, I’ve been gratified to help lead and support a large group of talented, dedicated scientists who are passionate about what they do. Because science is at the core of everything we do at FDA, the majority of FDA’s staff are scientists, including engineers and medical professionals. A robust scientific workforce strongly engaged in the new sciences is critical to the success of FDA’s mission to protect and promote the public health.
Unfortunately, I am often reminded that many people are unfamiliar with the cutting-edge research going on at FDA, and how important top-notch science and research are to our mission. Scientists, including those who may be exploring career options, are often unaware of the myriad scientific disciplines and expertise FDA must have to advance and apply the science required to assess the increasingly complex products we regulate. The outside world knows too little about the many innovative activities FDA scientists engage in, often with a wide range of collaborators, to keep our foods and medicines safe and help speed new therapies from bench to bedside.
So I’m delighted that we have now launched a comprehensive, one-stop web portal – FDA Science Careers and Scientific Professional Development – to showcase FDA’s exciting, multidisciplinary scientific work force and culture and how important science is to our public health mission. We want scientists – from students, to recent grads, mid-career, and seasoned professionals – to be aware of the diversity of FDA’s career opportunities so that we may continue to attract top scientists, including engineers and medical professionals who want to use their expertise to make a real difference in the world.
Entering our career portal, you will have access to the latest information on our fellowship programs and our internship, graduate, and faculty programs, which help us attract outstanding scientific academic talent. These opportunities include:
- Cross-Agency initiatives, like the two-year Commissioner’s Fellowship Program, that draw biologists, chemists, epidemiologists, nurses, pharmacists, physicians, social and behavioral scientists, statisticians, veterinarians, and engineers, who seek broad exposure to diverse areas of science and policy.
- Initiatives in specific areas such as FDA’s Medical Device Fellowship Program, the Veterinary Clerkship Program, and the Tobacco Regulatory Science Fellowship that offer students and post graduates a wide range of internships, fellowships, and graduate faculty opportunities.
Once on board, FDA scientists benefit from a dynamic, state-of-the-art, scientific professional development culture, with daily opportunities to attend a variety of scientific courses, seminars, and workshops. You can find out more about FDA’s efforts to support scientific professional development through the career portal’s Training and Development section. FDA-sponsored scientific engagement ranges from cross-agency and external collaborations – including FDA’s Centers of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation – to lectures by global scientific thought leaders.
For scientists and other professionals who want to make a real difference in the world, I can think of no better place to work than FDA. The opportunities to build a rewarding career and work on exciting and important issues while protecting and promoting our nation’s health are exceptional.
Jesse L. Goodman, M.D., M.P.H., is FDA’s chief scientist.
