USAMRIID Genomics Computational Biologist for Sequencing Identification of Biothreats
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The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) is offering a master’s degree fellowship at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (MRIID) Center for Genome Sciences (CGS).
What will I be doing?
As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to construct high-throughput analysis pipelines for NGS data, and/or to integrate with in-house databases. You will gain experience with a Linux environment as well as good knowledge of scripting language for handling large-scale data, and programming language for implementing computational models and algorithms. The goal is to develop tools to analyze large-scale and high-throughput genomics datasets generated from Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencers. During your ORISE appointment, you will support CGS’s mission to successfully develop software utilizing a variety of software, hardware and computational methods. The goal of this project is to be better able to identify, characterize and evaluate known and unknown biothreats.
Aim 1: Develop and apply next generation sequencing computational and analytical tools identify, characterize, and evaluate known and unknown biothreats.
Aim 2: Develop skills in computer biology and become adept in analyzing NGS data.
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Along the way, you will engage in activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to,
- Participate in computational biology software development
- Learn the biological principles underpinning pathogen discovery.
- Develop lightweight methods for field sequencing identification of unknown biothreats.
- Research concepts in virology, bacteriology, parasitic infections and genetics.
What is the anticipated start date?
The USAMRIID is ready to make appointments immediately. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internships or fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.
What is the appointment length?
This appointment is a full-time, 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?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by USAMRIID. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. 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 USAMRIID
USAMRIID's reputation has been built over the years by numerous scientists and technical staff working to protect both military personnel and civilians from the threat of infectious diseases. The Institute participates in support of emerging disease investigations, working alongside colleagues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. As a reference laboratory for the Department of Defense, USAMRIID (Fort Detrick, Maryland) sets the standard for identification of biological agents. The Institute's workforce represents some of the top infectious disease and biological defense experts in the Nation—indeed, in the world.
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 master’s degree in the area of genomics, molecular biology, computer science/engineering, and/or other biological/medical sciences. Candidates must be at least 26 years of age at the time of application.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- Familiar with basic concepts of pathogen discovery
- Experience conducting some research in the area of genetics and/or pathogen discovery.
- Knowledgeable in the field of computer science and has some familiarity with programming languages and Linux computing environments.
I affirm that I am 26 years old at the time of application.
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