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The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) is offering a post-bachelor’s opportunity at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Maryland.

What will I be doing?

Vesicants are a class of chemicals that induce injury on contact with exposed skin and mucous membranes.  Treatments for these injuries are only generally supportive (pain control, anti-inflammatory medication, etc.) as no specific treatments exist.  In cases of severe acute injury, long term prognosis is often poor and identification of specific targets involved in injury is necessary in the effort to develop effective therapeutics for this injury.  We have developed the capability of performing inhibitory RNA high throughput screening (HTS) in in vitro models to identify therapeutic targets.  The targets are then tested in animal models developed by our lab.  This approach is similar to that used by pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs and treatments for other injuries and diseases.  This work is funded by the NIH.

Why should I apply?

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

• Participation in most aspects of the project
• Research involving both in vitro and in vivo techniques including cell culture, high throughput siRNA screening, immunoassays, multiplexed immunoassays, cell viability assays, robotic liquid handlers, small animal surgery, tissue dissection, small animal ocular exams, and data analysis.
• Learn a number of in vitro and in vivo techniques while participating in this NIH funded project
• Have the opportunity to master techniques and operate instrumentation the same as that used by leading pharmaceutical companies
• Gain knowledge of these cutting edge research techniques and instrumentation

Where will I be located?

Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

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 benefits?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by MRICD. 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

About MRICD

The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) is the Department of Defense’s lead laboratory for medical chemical defense research. As a subordinate element of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC), the institute conducts research for development of medical countermeasures to treat exposure to various chemical threat agents for protection of soldiers and civilians. Scientific disciplines at USAMRICD include, but are not limited to, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, neuroscience, toxicology, physiology, psychology, and immunology. Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USAMRICD .

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 possess a Bachelor's Degree in biochemistry, biology, or related life/health/medical science related field with a minimum GPA of 2.8. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date. Research experience preferred.

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.

If you have questions, send an email to army-mrmc@orise.orau.gov.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 2.80
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Engineering (2 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (1 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (5 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).

I affirm that I am currently pursing or have completed an undergraduate degree and my overall GPA is above 2.8.