FDA postdoctoral fellowship - Assessment of mesenchymal stromal cell extracellular vesicle medi

Overview

Organization: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Reference Code: FDA-OWH-

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY. The complete application package consists of:

• An application
• Transcripts –  for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Three educational or professional recommendations

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

3/27/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

A Postdoctoral Fellow opportunity is available immediately to join a collaborative project between the FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) in the Office of Therapeutic Products (OTP) and Dr. Erika Moore's team at the University of Maryland. Funding is provided by the Office of Commissioner (OC), Office of Women’s Health (OWH).

Research Project:
The Marklein laboratory (FDA-CDER-OPT) and the Moore laboratory (University of Maryland) seek a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to work on a collaborative project with interdisciplinary research focused on developing mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) as a therapeutic approach for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The project investigates MSC-EV modulation of key cellular players in SLE-associated cardiovascular complications—pericytes, endothelial cells, and monocytes—which regulate immune activation, vascular dysfunction, and disease progression.

The selected candidate will explore how manufacturing conditions influence MSC-EV production and function in the context of SLE.

Learning Objectives:
The fellow will receive training in cutting-edge cell therapy research across two laboratories. Objectives include:

• Hands-on experience with advanced cell culture techniques, extracellular vesicle isolation and characterization, and complex 2D/3D co-culture systems
• Determine the impact of MSC-EVs on cell-types relevant to SLE
• Characterize MSC-EVs derived from different manufacturing conditions (media, flask vs. bioreactor)
• Develop SLE co-cultures to study the role of pericytes in vascular inflammation
• Professional development through publication and conference presentations; preparation for careers in product research and development, quality control, regulatory science, and clinical translation

Mentor:
Ross Marklein (ross.marklein.gov). For questions about the research, contact the mentor.

Anticipated

Start Date:

Winter 2026 (flexible). Appointment length: initially one year, may be renewed depending on FDA availability of funds. Level of Participation: full time. Participant Stipend: monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

Citizenship:
This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only. Proof of health insurance is required. Participants do not become employees of FDA, DOE, or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management is required for onboarding  can complete a background investigation for individuals who have resided in the U.S. for three of the past five years.

FDA Ethics Requirements:
If an ORISE Fellow (including spouse and minor children) reports affiliation with a Significantly Regulated Organization (SRO) or prohibited investment, the individual is not placed at FDA unless divestment or termination of the relationship occurs. See FDA Ethics for Nonemployee Scientists for details.

Education:

FDA requires ORISE participants to read and sign the FDA Education and Training Agreement within 30 days of start date. Topics include: non-employee nature of ORISE, prohibition on performing inherently governmental functions, rights to intellectual property, ownership of research materials and notebooks by FDA, and obligations to protect confidential information.

Qualifications:

Doctorate in a relevant field (biomedical engineering) or pursuing with…