MRICD Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery for Corneal Injury
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The Department of Defense if offering postdoctoral fellowship at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) located in Aberdeen, Maryland. Aberdeen is located in the prime Mid-Atlantic region minutes from Baltimore, Washington DC, Wilmington, DE, and Philadelphia. Aberdeen has world-class schools, stable and fast rail and highway transportation, and is the home of the US Army's foremost technology center, Aberdeen Proving Grounds.
What will I be doing?
You will have the opportunity to learn and conduct research side-by-side with seasoned researchers and scientists. This unique research opportunity is focused on vesicants. Vesicants are a class of chemicals that induce injury on contact with exposed skin and mucous membranes. Treatments for these injuries are only generally supportive (pain control, anti-inflammatory medication, etc.) as no specific treatments exist. In cases of severe acute injury, long term prognosis is often poor. Identification of specific targets involved in injury is necessary in the effort to develop effective therapeutics for this injury. We have developed the capability of performing inhibitory RNA high throughput screening (HTS) in in vitro corneal cell models to identify therapeutic targets. The targets are then tested in animal models developed by our lab. This approach is similar to that used by pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs and treatments for other injuries and diseases. This research project is funded by the NIH,and involves both in vitro and in vivo techniques including cell culture, high throughput siRNA screening, multiplexed immunoassays, cell viability assays, robotic liquid handlers, small animal surgery, tissue dissection, immunoassays, small animal ocular exams, and data analysis.
Why should I apply?
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to support their academic and professional goals. As you find success in your research efforts, you will have the opportunity to present your research findings at a national conference(s), author or co-author a manuscript(s), and participate in applications for new funding. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated PhD-level scientist to explore a career in government research and apply their technical skills in a multidisciplinary and translational environment.
Where will I be located?
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
MRICD is prepared to start this appointment as soon as a candidate is identified, and a start date is agreed upon. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until a candidate is selected.
What are the benefits?
The selected candidate will receive an annual stipend of ~$70,000 - $72,000 ($5,833.33 - $6,000/month). Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, and experience. The length of the appointment is 12 months and is renewable for up to 5 years total depending on level of funding and other factors. Candidates who are extended for additional participation periods may be eligible for an increase in stipend level. Other benefits may include the following:
- Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
- Relocation Allowance
- Training and Travel Allowance
About MRICD
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 Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC), 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. For more information about MRICD, please visit Home at MRDC - USAMRICD (health.mil).
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.
The qualified candidate will have a Ph.D. in vision sciences, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- Experience with corneal biology is highly desired.
- Candidate must be willing to handle animals, human tissues, and cultured cells.
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.
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If you have questions, send an email to ARMY-MRMC@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity MRDC-MRICD-2023-0009 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.
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- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2024 12:00:00 AM.
- Minimum Overall GPA: 2.80
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Discipline(s):
- Life Health and Medical Sciences (5 )
- Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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