Translational Science Interagency Fellowship
Our common goal with the FDA is to bring safe and effective drugs, regimens and devices from the bench to the bedside as quickly and efficiently as possible. Scientists who are knowledgeable about both preclinical translational science and regulatory science can help to achieve this goal.
To develop scientists with these essential skills, we created the TSIF program. This initiative provides training opportunities at both NCATS and FDA. By combining training in translational science and research-related regulatory review, the TSIF program enables fellows to build awareness of regulatory requirements into the early stages of medical product development, improving efficiencies in both the development and review processes. Fellows develop valuable skills applicable to future careers in academia, the pharmaceutical industry and government.
Fellows in the TSIF program are matched with an NCATS/FDA mentor pair to work on a specific project.
TSIF is a three-year program, accepting up to two new fellows* per year. Applicants must meet the following qualifications:
- Have a Ph.D., M.D. or other doctoral degree in a related discipline or have documentation that all degree requirements will be completed before the start of the fellowship. Assurance to this effect must be supplied in writing by the chair of the dissertation committee (for Ph.D. candidates) or the dean of the medical school (for M.D. candidates).
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States at the time of application. Applicants must have resided in the United States for three of the last five years.
- Have no more than two years of prior postdoctoral training before joining this fellowship program.
- Be able to pass a federal background check using Standard Form-85 (or SF 85). Section 14 of the form asks, “In the last year, have you used, possessed, supplied or manufactured illegal drugs?” The question pertains to the illegal use of drugs or controlled substances in accordance with federal laws, even though permissible under state laws. Applicants will be required to complete a conflict-of-interest assessment.
- If an NCATS/FDA Translational Science Interagency Fellow, to include their spouse and minor children, reports what is identified as a Significantly Regulated Organization (SRO) or prohibited investment fund financial interest in any amount, or a relationship with an SRO, except for spousal employment with an SRO, and the individual will not voluntarily divest the financial interest or terminate the relationship, then the individual is not placed at the FDA. For additional requirements, see FDA Ethics for Nonemployee Scientists.
*Selection of fellows will be dependent upon the availability of funds.
For more information and to apply