Position Title: Staff Fellow / Visiting Scientist (Research Biologist)

Series: This position will be filled in an appropriate occupational series (e.g., biological sciences, 

agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the 

position) under Title 42 U.S.C. 209(g). An official transcript or a foreign education credential will 

be required upon selection for the position. A course-by-course foreign education credential may 

be required depending on the occupational series selected. 

Location: Jefferson, AR. Position is Telework Eligible, as determined by agency policy. 

Opening Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Closing Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Salary Range: Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Area of Consideration: All U.S. Citizens or all eligible foreign nationals

Special Notes: This position will be filled as a Title 42 209 (g) appointment. This is an Excepted 

Service position under Title 42. This appointment does not confer any entitlement to a position in 

the competitive service. This position is covered by the HHS and NTEU Consolidated Collective 

Bargaining Agreement (CBA). We may make additional selections for similar positions from this

vacancy announcement.

Introduction: 

This position is located in the Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Office of Research, National 

Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is 

responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy and security of human 

and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, 

and products that emit radiation. 

NCTR is a multi-disciplinary research center. NCTR’s primary mission is to conduct peer-reviewed 

research and develop new scientific tools for the FDA to improve public health. This research 

produces new data and innovative tools to solve complex health issues and anticipated 

toxicological problems, thus enhancing FDA regulatory decision making. NCTR provides 

multidisciplinary training and fosters national and international collaborations with scientists from 

government, academia, and industry.

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, 

NATIONAL CENTER FOR TOXICOLOGICAL RESEARCH
The Division of Biochemical Toxicology is responsible for planning and directing research

specifically designed to define the biological mechanisms of action underlying the toxicity of 

products either regulated by, or interest to, the product centers of the Food and Drug 

Administration. The research is firmly rooted in mechanistic studies focused on the understanding 

of toxicological endpoints, an approach that allows greater confidence in the subsequent 

carcinogenic and reproductive toxicology risk assessments. Research within the Division capitalizes 

on scientific knowledge in the areas of biochemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, 

cellular and molecular biology, nutritional biochemistry, toxicology, and pharmacology.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

NCTR is seeking a highly qualified scientist who will be a member of a multi-disciplinary team to 

conduct comprehensive reviews and laboratory research in support of the FDA mission.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conducts comprehensive reviews of the published literature on active ingredients in 

over-the-counter (OTC) drug products specified by FDA’s Division of Nonprescription 

Drug Products (DNDP), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). 

• Develops literature search strategies using specialized and interdisciplinary literature 

databases and apply his scientific expertise to select articles on the safety and 

effectiveness of active ingredients of OTC drug products. 

• Critically reviews the validity and outcome of new pharmacology and toxicology data 

submitted to the DNDP and summarize the key findings and identify any study 

limitations and data gaps within the scientific information. 

• Conducts laboratory research at NCTR to define the biological mechanisms of action 

underlying the toxicities of these ingredients and/or other products regulated by the 

FDA. 

• Perform experiments in an independent manner and collect and analyze raw data. 

• Develop novel approaches, determine new research areas that need investigation, and 

prepare concept papers and protocols for new research projects. 

• Write, edit, and publish the research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. 

• Present the results at regional, national, and /or international meetings, and scientific 

seminars, as well as maintain current awareness of new and emerging technologies / 

scientific break throughs. 
• Works effectively in a multi-disciplinary team of regulatory scientists and research 

scientists to enhance FDA’s regulation.

Educational Requirements: 

• Candidates must have a doctoral-level degree from an accredited institution of higher 

learning, including: Ph.D. or equivalent degree in the biological sciences, agriculture, 

natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the 

position. Some exceptions may be made depending on the candidate’s qualifications. 

• Candidates must meet the minimum qualification requirements for the GS-11 (equivalent)

in the civil service General Schedule. 

Desired Qualifications: 

Our ideal candidate will possess experience in immunology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell 

culture, and related areas. 

Conditions of Employment: 

Ethics Requirements: This position is subject to strict prohibited financial interest regulations 

which could restrict the type of financial interest (stock holdings) for the employee, the spouse, 

and minor children of the employee. Selectee for this position will be required to file a 

Confidential Disclosure Report (OGE 450) and may require the selectee to obtain clearance from 

the FDA Division of Ethics and Integrity before a final offer can be made. For additional 

information on the prohibited financial interests, please visit the FDA Ethics and Integrity Office 

website at https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/jobs-and-training-fda/ethics.

Security and Background Requirements: If not previously completed a background security 

investigation will be required for all appointees. Appointment will be subject to the applicant’s 

successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure

to successfully meet these requirements may be grounds for appropriate personnel action. In 

addition, if hired, a background security investigation or supplemental investigation may be

required at a later time. Applicants are also advised that all information concerning qualification is 

subject to investigation. False representation may be grounds for non-selection and/or 

appropriate disciplinary action. 

Direct Deposit: You will be required to have all federal salary payments electronically deposited 

into a bank account with a financial institution of your choice. 

FDA participates in e-Verify: All new hires must complete the I-9 form; this information will be 

processed through e-Verify to determine your employment eligibility. If a discrepancy arises, you 

must take affirmative steps to resolve the matter.

Certification of Accuracy: All information concerning eligibility and qualification is subject to 
investigation and verification. False representation may be grounds for non-consideration, nonselection, or appropriate legal action.

Selective Service Registration: All applicants born male, on (or after) 12/31/1959, must be 

registered with the Selective Service System OR have an approved exemption. Visit www.SSS.gov 

for more info. 

Application Procedures: 

Candidates must submit a CV and brief statement of interest to:

Frederick Beland, Ph.D.

Director, Division of Biochemical Toxicology

53B/ HFT-110

National Center for Toxicological Research 

3900 NCTR Rd., Jefferson, AR 72079 

Email: frederick.beland@fda.hhs.gov

Additional Announcement Information: 

The FDA will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities who are not able to 

apply by sending a letter or email to the hiring manager, upon request.

Benefits: The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package. Explore the major 

benefits offered to most Federal employees at https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-ingovernment/benefits/. 

Incentives may be authorized; however, this is contingent upon funds availability. If authorized, 

certain incentives will require you to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal 

government for a period of up to 3 years. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an 

incentive will be offered and paid. Incentives include the following: moving expenses, recruitment

or relocation incentive, student loan repayment, superior qualifications appointment, creditable

service for annual leave for prior non-federal work experience or prior uniformed military service, 

etc.