WRAIR Next-Generation Prophylactic Research Opportunity - Postdoctoral
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), the Department of Defense's (DoD) premier research enterprise for infectious diseases, brain health, and performance optimization, is offering this Postdoctoral research opportunity to conduct proof-of-concept studies in developing next-generation prophylactics.
What will I be doing and why should I apply?
Under a mentor's guidance, you will engage in research that bridges computational protein design with hands-on wet-lab expression, purification, and biophysical characterization. You will have the opportunity to learn and gain experience at the intersection of structural biology, AI, and translational vaccinology within a highly collaborative research network.
Within this opportunity, you will be engaged in the following learning objectives:
- Applying machine-learning/AI platforms including AlphaFold3, RFdiffusion, ThermoMPNN, Rosetta, PROSS, PRoscan, PyMOL.
- Conducting protein purification using chromatography platforms (FPLC, affinity, size-exclusion chromatography).
- Evaluating the purity, yield, and structural integrity of protein molecules, conduct ELISA, Biolayer Interferometry to benchmark candidate molecules.
- Analyzing, interpreting, and integrating biochemical/biophysical datasets with downstream biological assay results.
- Learning to draft technical updates and compose comprehensive reports.
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 fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.
What is the appointment length?
This 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?
- Health Insurance Supplement. Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE.
- 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. More information is available at WRAIR.
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 an earned doctoral degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or other eligible STEM discipline. Degree must be received within 60 months of the application date.
Preferred skills:
- Experience with using computational protein engineering principles
- Experience with recombinant protein expression mammalian and bacterial systems.
- Knowledge of protein purification (IMAC, SEC, IEX) and quality control (SDS-PAGE, Western blot, HPLC).
- Familiarity with structural and biophysical characterization techniques, particularly BLI/SPR.
- Strong communication skills.
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 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-2026-0007] 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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