Postdoctoral and Graduate Fellowships in Ophthalmic Device Research at FDA (Optics, Medical Devices, Deep Learning) U.S. Food and Drug Administration in United States

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) Ophthalmic Device Program is seeking two postdoctoral researchers and also welcomes applications from master's and doctoral candidates. The research focuses on advancing the evaluation of innovative ophthalmology devices, including adaptive optics systems, retinal imagers, intraocular lenses, and therapeutic devices. The program addresses critical gaps in device evaluation, such as the lack of standard methods for adaptive optics, insufficient clinical endpoints, and unclear safety profiles for new materials and treatments.

Research activities include developing biomarkers, model eyes, OCT test methods, prosthetic device assessment, nanoshell evaluation, NTIOL implant tools, and new corneal cross-linking methods. Participants will receive hands-on training in an optics laboratory, covering optical design, setup, instrumentation, data collection, and analysis. Additional training includes developing optical models, image acquisition software, image processing algorithms, and deep learning algorithms using tools like Zemax, Python, Matlab, LabVIEW, and CUDA. Bench-testing for device performance and human subject investigation are also part of the experience.

Opportunities are provided to present technical results at international conferences and to prepare peer-reviewed journal articles. Participants will gain general knowledge of FDA regulation of medical products and regulatory science. The program is located in White Oak, Maryland, and is administered by ORAU through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.

Applicants must have or be pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in Chemistry, Materials Sciences, Computer/Data Sciences, Engineering, Life/Health/Medical Sciences, Mathematics, Statistics, or Physics, received within the last 60 months or anticipated by May 31, 2026. U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, and foreign nationals are eligible, but must have lived in the U.S. for at least 36 out of the past 60 months. Proof of health insurance and a successful background investigation are required. The appointment is full-time for one year, renewable based on performance and funding. A monthly stipend is provided, commensurate with education and experience.

For more information and to apply, visit the Zintellect opportunity page. Contact mentors Daniel Hammer, Ilko Ilev, or Zhuolin Liu for research-specific questions.