Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in Radiological/Nuclear Medical Countermeasure Development

Organization
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Reference Code
BARDA-RADNUC-2018-249-0011
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 Radiological/Nuclear (RADNUC) Medical Countermeasure (MCM) program at BARDA is focused on identifying MCMs that can be used in radiological/nuclear mass casualty events and the development of animal models as tools for identifying products that can be developed as MCMs to treat radiation victims. Areas of interest include the impact of radiation on vascular injury, coagulopathy, and dysregulation of the hematopoietic system.  The Radiological/Nuclear Medical Countermeasure (MCM) program has been able to identify new biomarkers for radiation injury and is beginning to identify novel treatment targets.  This opportunity will primarily be focused on collaborating with the animal model team to refine the model, analyze data, and use the information to identify new MCM targets.

The participant will be mentored by the animal model development team.  Main activities will include contributing to discussions on study design for animal model development of acute radiation models, assisting in data analyses, and participating in drafting manuscripts to report findings from various models.  This will require comprehensive literature searches on a variety of topics including but not limited to vascular injury, prospective medical countermeasure targets, market research for certain prospective product classes, and radiation biology.  The participant will report and share their findings with animal model team and assist in development of a spreadsheet for prospective MCMs targets to screen.  Other opportunities may include providing support for the Inter-agency Integrated Program Team for Radiological Nuclear Countermeasures, assisting in the development of relevant policy documents, interacting with animal model developers, participation in team communications with FDA, drug developers, CROs, and NIH all to ensure progress on the mission of the Radiological/Nuclear 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 Ph.D. or in the process of pursuing a degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, cellular physiology, microbiology, or similar field.  A strong background in immunology and cellular physiology is preferred.

Advantage would be for an applicant with experience in: radiation biology, immunology, hematopoiesis, regulation of blood cellular components, stem cell biology, oncology and/or systems 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: Doctoral Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Business (1 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (1 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (11 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (2 )
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