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

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant and under the guidance of a mentor, you will engage with the Blast Induced Neurotrauma (BINT) Branch at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). The BINT branch has state-of-the-art equipment to conduct research involving blast exposure, functional assessments (e.g. Electroencephalogram (EEG) for brain, auditory brainstem response, and for neurobehavioral assessments (learning and memory, anxiety, activity, gait analysis, motor and coordination tests, sleep etc.).

As the selected participant, you will have opportunity to engage in several of the research focus areas using a cross-disciplinary approach.

• Learning the mechanism of blast-induced neurotrauma and develop suitable countermeasures using pre-clinical models
• Focusing on neurosensory (auditory and ocular systems) pathophysiology associated with blast exposure and development of countermeasure strategies
• Reviewing studies on multi-organ trauma after blast exposure and development of effective countermeasures
• Investigating genetic and neurodegenerative molecular cascades associated with blast-induced neurotrauma
• Conducting interspecies scaling of injury using clinical readouts such as MRI, behavior and functional assessments (e.g. Electroencephalogram - EEG)
• Understanding sleep disturbances and post traumatic epilepsy associated with blast exposure
• Studying wearable sensor technologies to detect and monitor blast exposure in training and laboratory environment

Where will I be located?

Silver Spring, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

The WRAIR 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 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 provisions? 

You will receive a stipend to be determined by WRAIR. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About WRAIR 

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) aims to conduct biomedical research that is responsive to Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements and delivers lifesaving products including knowledge, technology and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the warfighter. WRAIR provides unique research capabilities and innovative medical solutions to a range of Force Health Protection and Readiness challenges currently facing U.S. Service Members, along with threats anticipated during future operations. These research opportunities include ongoing efforts to identify and treat traumatic brain and neurosensory system injuries as well as to understand and mitigate the deleterious effects of repeated exposures to blast.  For more information about WRAIR, please visit Army Home.

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 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 Bachelor's, Master's or Doctoral degree, Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

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. 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 WRAIR-2025-0005 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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• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (11 )