Viral Diseases Support Researcher

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
MRMC-WRAIR-2020-0016R
How to Apply

Components of the online application are as follows:

Submitted documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system.

If you have questions, send an email to ARMY-MRMC@ORISE.ORAU.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Description

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 to deliver lifesaving products, including knowledge, technology, and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the warfighter. The Viral Diseases Branch (VDB) of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research develops and delivers safe and effective countermeasures against viral diseases that threaten Soldier readiness and degrade US Armed Forces lethality around the world.

WRAIR VDB is offering an ORISE opportunity that will focus on a variety of research and development projects on viral diseases surveillance, prevention, and treatments. As an ORISE participant, you will be involved in projects of pathogen discovery, bioinformatics, viral genomics, and antiviral drug development. These studies are directly related to VDB's mission on the support of healthy military protection. Throughout your appointment, you will receive a variety of hands-on experience with a focus on data collection and in-depth data analyses. This experience will focus on your career development, as you learn from experienced scientists and acquire essential skills of study design, data analysis, results interpretation, presentation of research discoveries, and communication with collaborators and other researchers.  

For more information on WRAIR, please visit www.wrair.army.mil for more information.

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. Opportunities to participate part-time (10 hours/week) or up-to full-time (40 hours/week) are available.

Participant Benefits

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by WRAIR. Stipends are typically based on the 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

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.

Qualifications

Successful candidates will have a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry, molecular biology or related biological science and will pursue advanced education in related research areas. Wet laboratory experience is desired at BSL2 in processing clinical and field samples, performing molecular biology assays including PCR, RT-PCR, and quantitative assay. Knowledge and experience is needed in next-generation sequencing technology, such as Illumina sequencing and MinION sequencing with appropriate data analysis and basic/medium bioinformatics skills. Prior publication as first or second author in a peer-reviewed scientific journal is highly desired.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (41 )