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The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) aims to conduct biomedical research that is responsive to the 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 and threats anticipated during future operations. These research opportunities include ongoing efforts to identify and treat traumatic brain injury as well as to understand and mitigate the harmful effects of repeated exposures to blast.

This research opportunity is within our blast overpressure medical research program and systems biology. Under the guidance of a mentor, your research will include assessing the biomedical and biological mechanisms of blast injury using in vitro and in vivo models as well as biological samples collected from human patients and volunteers. In addition, you will have the opportunity to perform neurobehavioral assessments and design, develop, interpret, analyze, and implement the application of biological processes pre/post-blast insults. These studies are critical to the experimental development of injury criteria, which will form the basis for developing standardized guidelines and test methodologies to study the effectiveness of therapeutic agents and utility of biofluid biomarkers in pre/post-blast animal models, human volunteers and victims of blast exposure.

It is fully anticipated that the multi-faceted experiences associated with this research project will provide professional educational growth along with enhanced career opportunities. Injuries and impairments resulting from exposures to blast or repeated blasts are high visibility concerns to the US military about which little is currently defined. This research project will promote valuable educational growth with the development of a well-rounded research background spanning blast physics, physiology, neurobiology, and cognitive performance. In conjunction with this professional educational growth, the project is a tremendous opportunity to experience first-hand the formulation and testing of data-driven hypotheses.  Collectively, these experiences can translate into opportunities for furthering a research-based career.

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.

Participant Benefits

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

Nature of Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

The qualified candidate will possess a doctorate degree in biomedical sciences. Degree must have been received within 60 months of the appointment start date.   

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience the following:

• Hands-on experience working with in vivo research; animal handling; injecting mice by oral, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intravenous route; Western Blot; ELISA; PCR and RT-PCR; confocal microscopy; Immunufluorescence (IF) assay; genomic DNA/RNA extraction and quantification; agarose gel electrophoresis; and fluorescence spectrophotometer.

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 [MRDC-WRAIR-2025-0019] 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: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (42 )