FDA ScientistOdds of Getting In

Getting a job at the FDA, or any other part of the government for that matter, is difficult. You've got to know your stuff, have a few academic degrees, have science and writing experience – and knowing your way around a pocket protector probably doesn't hurt. And then brace yourself for civil service exams and a lot of competition from other science jocks who yearn for the stability of a steady government paycheck with benefits and paid vacation time and, maybe, a pension.