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  5. Transcript: Computational science in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
  1. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research | CDER

Transcript: Computational science in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is looking for scientists that use computers as their laboratories.

Computational scientists at FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research deliver solutions in bioinformatics, instrumentations, systems pharmacology, and systems engineering, all designed to meet the Center’s unique scientific computing needs.

If you understood what I just said you are exactly the type of person we are looking for!

While the work at FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research is complex, the premise is simple: ensure that safe and effective drug products are available to improve the health and treatment of people in the United States.

I came to FDA because I wanted to participate in research that had a clear and immediate impact on improving human health.

As a laboratory researcher in the Center, I have the opportunity to change the way drugs are developed, and to improve the current methods for evaluating drug safety.

I generate data that explains why different patients respond differently to the same drug. I also research ways to improve the early assessment of drug safety to cut down on drug development.

My current research involves figuring out how information regarding the electrical behavior of cells in the lab can be used to predict the risk of serious side effects in people.

In addition to lab work, I am part of a broad effort to develop new biomarkers as drug development tools for use in toxicology testing.

I also use cutting edge technology in my laboratory research. To support our cardiac safety research efforts we have the latest generation of automated patch clamp machines. We also have access to other game-changing research technologies, including next generation sequencing, mass spectrometry, and digital pathology.

Although, technology evolves so fast, what I’m working with today could be outdated before we finish filming! No to worry, when necessary the Center will replace it with the latest and greatest.

Let’s see… important research with a clear impact on human health; a rich scientific environment; and new technologies that you can use.

What else could you want? What if we throw in a nice work-life balance, including flexible hours and the possibility of telework?

And it even pays well -- a package that includes a good salary, great benefits, and job security. Now this is the type of package that allows scientists to focus on doing good research rather than financial drama.

Be a part of FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

I know coming to FDA was the right decision for me. Do your math and do your research to see if it’s the right place for you too.

To join CDER, go to usajobs.gov and search F-D-A/C-D-E-R to see a list of available openings and required qualifications. For more information about FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, go to FDA.gov.

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