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The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a post-doctoral fellowship at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). Since 1969, USAMRIID has served as the DoD lead laboratory for medical biological defense research.  While our core mission is to protect the warfighter from biological threats, we also investigate disease outbreaks and threats to public health.  Research conducted at USAMRIID leads to medical solutions—therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics, and information—that benefit both military personnel and civilians.

What will I be doing?

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers within the Diagnostic Systems Division (DSD) where several projects involving the generation and analysis of pathogen and host biomarker data will be performed. This data will be utilized for the purpose of creating next-generation diagnostics focused on warfighter and force health protection. The applicant must be comfortable working with infectious agents and demonstrate an understanding of concepts related to good laboratory practices and perform good documentation procedures.

Why should I apply?

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,

• data analysis to investigate pathogenesis and identify host biomarkers of infection related to viral and bacterial specificity, disease outcome, specific clinical presentation, etc.
• learn advanced biological techniques such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), organoid modeling, and molecular diagnostics
• manipulate and handle infected clinical matrices such as blood products and tissues resulting from animal studies
• access to high containment labs (BSL-2/3/4)

Where will I be located?

Frederick, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

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 fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length? 

Appointments are initially for one year with the option to extend the appointment for up to four additional years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.

What are the benefits? 

You will receive a stipend to be determined by the DHA. 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 DHA

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is a joint, integrated, Combat Support Agency that enables the Army, Navy, and Air Force (AF) medical services to provide a medically ready force and ready medical force to Combatant Commands (COCOM) in both peacetime and wartime. The DHA supports the delivery of integrated, affordable, and high-quality health services to Military Health System (MHS) beneficiaries and is responsible for driving greater integration of clinical and business processes across the MHS. The Health Information Technology (HIT) Directorate is responsible for the development of plans, programs, and procedures to support worldwide medical service missions as well as identifying shortfalls within current program plans and budget in order to field new technologies and services. The Solution Delivery Division (SDD) provides support to the DoD population health data systems that enhance the quality and effectiveness of healthcare.

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 earned a doctoral degree within the last 60 months or be currently pursing with an anticipated completion date of December 30, 2024. Field of study should be Cellular and Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Microbiology and/or Biochemistry.   

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.
• One Recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) 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 orisedod@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity DHA-2024-0001 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: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/30/2024 11:59:00 PM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (4 )