FDA Recruiting New Scientific, Consumer Committee Members

FDA says it is recruiting new agency advisory committee members who have scientific or consumer involvement in healthcare. An agency statement says advisory committees “are a cornerstone of FDA’s science-based, transparent regulatory process. These committees and panels bring together scientific experts such as physicians, researchers, biostatisticians, along with patient advocates and consumer representatives to evaluate the evidence on drugs, vaccines, biologics, medical devices, and other FDA-regulated products, providing independent recommendations that help FDA make informed decisions on behalf of the American public.”

The statement says FDA is recruiting qualified candidates for vacancies spanning multiple scientific domains, from oncology and cardiovascular medicine to neurology, genetics, and medical devices. Interested candidates, whether applying as scientific experts or as consumer representatives, are encouraged to begin the process through the centralized FDA Advisory Committee Membership Nomination application portal.

It says nominees for scientific and technical voting-member positions must demonstrate subject-matter expertise relevant to one or more FDA advisory committees, the ability to interpret complex scientific and technical information, an understanding of the public health significance of issues before the committee, and the capacity to provide objective, independent advice. Nominees for consumer representative positions should have demonstrated affiliation with or active participation in consumer or community-based organizations, and the ability to analyze technical data, discuss benefits and risks, and evaluate product safety and efficacy from a public perspective.

To receive first consideration, FDA says, nominations for consumer positions should be submitted by 11/15 and nominations for scientific positions should be submitted by 11/30.