WRAIR Brain Health Research Fellowship
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a doctoral fellowship at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command - Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (USAMRDC WRAIR).
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 in an effort to understand the risk to the human brain from repeated exposure to tactical training environments but without diagnosable injury. This mission is defined in several U.S. Public Laws, most recently 118-159, the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. This research requires field studies on site in coordination with military tactical training. Over the course of the past 10 years, a small group of research and engineering professionals at WRAIR have conducted a series of such field studies and, as they have learned with experience what the threats are in these environments and how to improve measurement ability, have modified methods.
Why should I apply?
As an ORISE participant and under the guidance of a mentor, you will be involved in a research-based, educational fellowship that will advance your knowledge and professional development while supporting the mission of the Blast Induced Neurotrauma (BINT) Branch. BINT collaboratively confronts emerging challenges and builds on growing knowledge regarding blast, head impacts, and other tactical training exposures. You will have an opportunity to design and conduct all aspects of research and provide scientific input into the research process in a blast environment characterization.
Research areas of focus include, but not limited to:
- Performing neuro-pupillary testing that provides quantitative analyses of the health of the eyes and or nervous system.
- Performing assessments on paratroopers who have sustained high magnitude head impacts upon landing after parachute descent.
- Developing analytical approaches to identify those reflexes that differ from normative patterns and evaluating new technologies for this research area.
- Developing the research or test methodology, executing the research protocol or test plan, data collection, data analysis, and reporting the findings.
- Conducting data analysis using engineering software and computer programming.
- Learning to approach novel analytical problems with effective and appropriate solutions.
- Preparing briefings, technical reports, and manuscripts for publication in professional journals.
Please note this fellowship opportunity requires lifting and moving of equipment and prolonged periods of bending, moving about, standing, reaching and sitting. As the qualified candidate, you will also have the ability to travel to various research sites within the United States and overseas.
Where will I be located?
Silver Spring, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
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 injury 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 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 Doctoral degree in neurophysiology or neuroscience (or comparable discipline). 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:
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing human subjects protocols.
- Demonstrated skill in advanced quantitative analysis and familiarity with multiple software platforms for such analyses is expected.
- Field research experience
- Peer-reviewed publication on field research experience
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-2025-0025] 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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