Fellowship in Brain Health Science at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR)

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
MRMC-WRAIR-2021-0013
How to Apply

Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.

Description

Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) is the Department of Defense’s premier organization conducting basic and applied research to promote psychological resilience, neurological functioning, and operational readiness among Service Members. The goal is to reduce the mortality and morbidity resulting from mild to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occurring in military-centric environments and across the spectrum of acute to chronic post-injury recovery periods. 

A team at WRAIR is conducting research to understand the risk to the human brain from repeated exposure to primary blast but without any diagnosable injury. The team has recently broadened its research methods to include sound meters in field studies of military training to measure very low frequency sound, infrasound, below the threshold of human hearing. These sound meter and infrasound measures are collected to test current hypotheses about key threats to health and performance of personnel in these training environments. A post-Masters or post-Doctoral degree level fellowship is available in this area.  

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will review and analyze collected data, collaborate with a team to discover novel associations between environmental exposures and outcomes, and document those associations in manuscripts for peer review. The topic of low-level blast exposure as an occupational risk is relatively new and the published research literature is not large, so this is an opportunity to contribute to a new area of expertise. You will also support the organization and maintenance of the research team’s data archive, with an objective of sharing data with authorized institutions in research collaborations.

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:

  • synthesizing disparate records from multiple sources and coalescing into an accurate and useful analytic product
  • conducting analyses alongside a statistician to inform evidence-based inference and manuscript development
  • preparing briefings, technical reports, and manuscripts for publication in professional journals
  • serving as a liaison between collaborators, PI, and study staff
  • participating in all aspects of research to include study design and collecting, managing, processing, analyzing, and reporting data
  • applying excellent critical thinking, problem solving, and troubleshooting skills
  • approaching novel analytical problems with effective and appropriate solutions
  • developing excellent communication (written and oral), organization and prioritization skills

Where will I be located?

Silver Spring, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research 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 benefits?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. 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 WRAIR

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) aims to conduct biomedical research that is responsive to U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements. WRAIR conducts basic science, applied science, and animal and human subjects research to deliver lifesaving products including knowledge, technology and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the Warfighter. Areas of focus include tropical infectious diseases and HIV, medical care on the battlefield and post-traumatic stress disorders. For more information about the WRAIR, please visit www.wrair.army.mil.

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.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate will have a Masters degree or Doctoral degree in a Biomedical Science or related field. Masters degree applicants should have experience with research or clinical protocols directly involving military blast exposure and assessment of associated effects. Degree must have been received within 60 months of the appointment start date.

Highly competitive candidates will have:

  • Peer-reviewed research publications 
  • Specific training or experience in audiological science 
  • Field research experience, especially if connected to a military setting
  • Programming skills in one or more of the following: R, SAS, Matlab, C, C+, C++, Java, VBA, clinical information systems, relational databases 
  • A completed and favorably adjudicated background investigation for the Department of Defense 

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.
  • 1 Recommendation

If you have questions, send an email to ARMY-MRMC@orise.orau.gov.  Please list the reference code of this opportunity MRMC-WRAIR-2021-0009 in the subject line of the email.

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Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (9 )
    • Engineering (1 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (19 )
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