Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.

The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) is the Department of Defense’s lead laboratory for medical chemical defense research. As a subordinate element of the U.S. Army Medical Development and Materiel Command (USAMRDC), the institute conducts research for development of medical countermeasures to treat exposure to various chemical threat agents for protection of soldiers and civilians. Scientific disciplines at USAMRICD include, but are not limited to, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, neuroscience, toxicology, physiology, psychology, and immunology. Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USAMRICD.

Why should I apply and what will I be doing?

As the selected candidate, you will have the opportunity to participate in a drug target discovery project that is funded by the National Institutes of Health.  You will have the opportunity to use leading technologies such as cell culture robotics, multiplexed immunoassays, high throughput siRNA screening, and high content analysis (HCA).  HCA is an automated and high throughput analysis of cell culture photomicrographs to quantify cell health parameters such as oxidative stress and mitochondrial function, just to name a couple.  Drug targets confirmed in cell models are tested in animal models, and as such, you will have the opportunity to participate in small animal surgery, tissue dissection, and ocular exams.  In addition, you will participate in data analysis for both the in vitro and in vivo data.  Through these experiences, you will have the opportunity to learn techniques and how to operate instrumentation the same as that used by leading universities and pharmaceutical companies.  Knowledge of these cutting-edge research techniques and instrumentation will provide you experience that is very attractive in competing for graduate school or for internal and external career advancing opportunities. Finally, as you find success in your research efforts, you may have the opportunity to present their research findings at a national conference(s) and may co-author a manuscript(s).  If you have any questions, please contact the laboratory principal investigator Albert L. Ruff, Ph.D. atalbert.l.ruff2.civ@health.mil. 

 Where will I be located?

Gunpowder, Maryland

What is the appointment length?

USAMRICD is prepared to begin this appointment as soon as possible and will review applications on an ongoing basis until a candidate is selected. This appointment is a twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the benefits?

Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing and experience.  For this opportunity, the annual stipend for a college graduate with no experience is approximately $48,000 per year including the health insurance supplement.   The stipend is increased about 2-3% per year with each additional year of experience in the program.

Other benefits may include the following:

• Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (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 DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.  Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Applicant should have completed a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, or related life/health/medical science field within the past five years. Participant must have a minimum GPA of 2.8.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Required to complete a background investigation
• Able to obtain and maintain a security clearance

The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination(s).

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• Two Recommendations. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until two recommendations are submitted. We encourage you to contact your recommenders as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

If you have questions, send an email to army-mrmc@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity MRDC-MRICD-2023-0004 in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing.  Please do not send application materials to the email address above.

Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 2.80
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).