June 2008 Archives

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been under heavy fire in recent years for its approval of certain drugs and medical devices. The Vioxx scandal, in particular, rallied many legislators and consumer advocacy groups to demand changes within the organization. In response to this criticism, the FDA will be ramping up its safety operations and research.

Mid-career scientists and pharmacologists may soon be able to parlay themselves into a comfortable position with the FDA. The agency has made plans to hire approximately 1,300 employees in an effort to increase drug and device safety. The FDA already employs 10,000 professionals. Says John Dyer, the FDA's deputy commissioner for operations, "It takes a large pool of talented people for the FDA to protect and promote the public health".

The hiring is planned to take place within the next several months and the agency will be hosting job fairs around the United States. With 600 positions to be filled and 700 to be backfilled, those with adequate experience might be able to grab lucrative managerial positions. The FDA is primarily looking for biologists, chemists, medical officers, mathematical statisticians and investigators.

If you are interested in sending your resume to the FDA, they are accepting queries at joinourteam@fda.hhs.gov. A schedule of job fairs can also be found here.

This article is contributed by Heather Johnson, who regularly writes on the topic of career exploration. She invites your questions and writing job opportunities at her personal email address: heatherjohnson2323@gmail.com.