USAMRIID Postdoctoral Fellowship in Arthropod Vectors and Arboviruses

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
MRDC-USAMRIID-2024-0005
How to Apply

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

Description

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command - Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRDC MRIID).

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers with tasks that include rearing of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, infection through blood meal and intrathoracic injection with viral agents of interest, and in vivo transmission studies in ACL-3.   Other tasks may include: viral quantitation by PCR or plaque assay, in vivo imaging of luciferase expressing virus, and molecular virology techniques.

Why should I apply?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to 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: 

  • The opportunity to learn a wide variety of new procedures.
  • Follow-on projects may involve the study of tickborne viruses including studies on vector competency and transmissibility.
  • The opportunity to develop new project ideas that align with USAMRIID’s mission and assist with preparation of proposals.  

Where will I be located?

Frederick, Maryland

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? 

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 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

Security Clearance

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with DoD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.

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 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.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate will have a doctoral degree in entomology, virology, or related fields and working experience with arboviruses.  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:

  •    Hands-on experience in arthropod colonization (mosquitoes and ticks), and in vitro and in vivo models (mainly rodents) for studies on basic biology, infection, and transmission of pathogens in ACL-3.
  •    Publication and research grant award history.
  •    Strong scientific communication skills are required, as applicant shall be expected to prepare scientific manuscripts, assist with development of funding proposals and deliver oral presentations.

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 - 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. 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-USAMRIID-2024-0005] 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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Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (2 )
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