U.S. FDA posts job for new tobacco czar..

July 7, 2009 - Just two weeks after the FDA was given duties to regulate cigarettes and other tobacco products, the agency is setting up a new Tobacco Division at its Maryland headquarters, our colleague Alicia Mundy reports on the Washington Wire blog.

To kick things off for the new division, the FDA recently posted a help-wanted ad for a tobacco center director. Applicants, it says, need substantial scientific expertise and experience in toxicology, epidemiology and public health.

The real test, Mundy says, will be knowing how play well on Capitol Hill and at the White House. Or as the FDA post says: “Substantial expertise and experience in the area of administrative procedure and regulation, including deep familiarity with Congressional operations and policymaking in the executive branch” are required.

Only U.S. citizens are eligible; the job pays $117,787 to $177,000 annually. And hurry. The application period ends July 9, 2009.

Reference: FDA Tries to Smoke Out New Tobacco Czar, WSJ's blog on health and the business of health, 7/6/2009.