Entomology Research Fellowship at WRAIR

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
MRMC-WRAIR-2021-0015
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 offering a Post-Master's or Postdoctoral fellowship in the Entomology Branch.

The Entomology Branch conducts basic and applied research, field testing, and product development activities to reduce the risk of vector-borne diseases to DoD personnel and to support global health of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. 

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will gain experience within research studies seeking to determine susceptibility of mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods to insecticides and repellents, in laboratory, semi-field and field environments.

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:

  • Participating in field collections and identification of mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods, as well as caring for mosquitoes, ticks and other arthropods in the laboratory and insectary.
  • Collaborating on rearing field collected mosquitoes, ticks, and arthropods; establishment of arthropod colony(s) as needed;  and processing of mosquito, tick, and other arthropod samples for molecular identification of pathogens.
  • Participating in the development and implementation of molecular and non-molecular assays for the detection of pathogens in field collected and laboratory-infected mosquito and tick samples.
  • Gaining experience in scientific research experiments related to the detection of militarily relevant infectious diseases in arthropod vectors.
  • Participating in the infection of laboratory reared arthropods with cultured pathogens in a BSL-2 laboratory using injection and oral infection techniques.

Some experiments may require weekend participation if time point data are to be collected.

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 received a Master's of Science or Doctoral degree in biological sciences, preferably in entomology or related disciplines.

Highly competitive candidates will have experience in entomological studies such as:

  • Evaluation of repellents or insecticides against mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods.
  • Field collection of mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods, identification of collected specimens, as well as handling and caring for mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods in the laboratory and insectary.
  • Experience in mosquito rearing in the insectary.
  • Laboratory infection of arthropods with cultured pathogens in a BSL-2 laboratory using injection and oral infection techniques. 
  • Molecular and non-molecular assays for the detection of pathogens in arthropod vectors.

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.
  • 3 Recommendations

If you have questions, send an email to ARMY-MRMC@orise.orau.gov.  Please list the reference code of this opportunity MRMC-WRAIR-2021-0015 in the subject line of the email.

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Eligibility Requirements
  • 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 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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