Postgraduate Research Opportunity in Anthrax Diagnostics Medical Countermeasure Development

Organization
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Reference Code
BARDA-DMCM-2018-249-0010
How to Apply

A complete application package consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.  Proof must be sent to ORISE directly from the academic institution including graduation date and degree awarded.  All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation.  Click Here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • A current resume/CV
  • Two references – While two references are requested, applications will be considered without reference information.  It is preferred that a complete application package contains a minimum of one reference.

If you have questions, send an email to BARDA@orau.org.  Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Application Deadline
10/26/2018 4:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

A research opportunity is available in the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).  BARDA provides an integrated, systematic approach to the advanced research and development of medical countermeasures for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents that threaten the U.S. civilian population.

The Diagnostics Medical Countermeasure (MCM) program at BARDA is focused on promoting the development of FDA cleared diagnostic devices/assays that can be used during a pandemic or mass casualty events and on the development of animal models as tools for identifying disease markers that can be used by developers to guide them as they develop MCMs. The clinical diagnostics area of interest consists of: Innovations (innovative technologies that will provide capabilities for novel diagnostics with improved performance), biothreats (Biothreat Agents of Interest include (listed alphabetically): Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), Botulinum toxin (botulism), Burkholderia mallei (glanders) and Burkholderia pseudomallei (melioidosis), ebolaviruses and Marburg virus, Francisella tularensis (tularemia), Rickettsia prowazekii (typhus), Yersinia pestis (plague) and smallpox (orthopox genus virus assays acceptable)), antibiotic resistance, radiation exposure/biodosimetry, chemical threat exposure, influenza, emerging diseases, and novel platform development.

The participant will be mentored by the Diagnostics development team.  This opportunity will primarily be focused on collaborating with the anthrax diagnostics team to use animal model data to guide the development of new medical countermeasures, especially diagnostics, against anthrax and emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases, and participating in drafting manuscripts/presentations to report findings to various groups or agencies. This will require data analysis and comprehensive literature searches on a variety of topics including but not limited to anthrax, Ebola, Zika, emerging infectious diseases, host biomarkers, medical countermeasure targets, and market research on specific diagnostic products. 

The participant will report and share their findings with the Diagnostics team and assist in development of spreadsheets on diagnostic MCM instruments, assays, and targets. Other opportunities may include providing support for Interagency diagnostic planning and strategy efforts, assisting in the development of relevant policy documents, interacting with animal model and diagnostic developers, participation in team communications with FDA, drug developers, CROs, CDC, and NIH all to ensure progress on the mission of the Diagnostics Medical Countermeasure (MCM) program.

Travel for presentations at conferences/meetings may be required.

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and BARDA. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of BARDA and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience, a monthly health insurance stipend supplement, and a travel allowance. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time. Participants do not become employees of HHS, BARDA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with BARDA, this position requires a pre-appointment check and a full background investigation.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

Qualifications

The applicant should have a M.S. or Ph.D. or in the process of pursuing such a degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, cellular physiology, microbiology, veterinary medicine, or similar field.  A strong background in immunology, microbiology, or molecular biology is preferred.

Advantage would be for an applicant with experience in: immunology, microbiology, infectious diseases, or molecular biology.  Strong oral and written skills will be needed. Critical thinking, data analysis, and protocol/study design are highly preferred.  Independence, self motivation, and the ability to take initiative would be considered favorable.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Business (1 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (1 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (9 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (2 )