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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 and delivers lifesaving products including knowledge, technology and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the warfighter. The Multidrug-Resistant Organism Repository and Surveillance Network (MRSN) currently has an internship opportunity available at WRAIR in Silver Spring, Maryland. The MRSN is the sole entity within the DoD engaged in real-time surveillance of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria and molecular outbreak investigation assistance across the entire Military Healthcare System. If selected for this opportunity, you will engage in cutting edge research addressing the dangerous threat posed by MDR organisms to military service members and their families. WRAIR is looking for an outstanding applicant that has received an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Epidemiology, Genetics, including Genome Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Microbiology, Public Health, or related field.

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will learn and develop molecular biology laboratory techniques required for the whole genome sequencing (WGS) of MDR bacterial species in order to perform drug-resistance surveillance within the DOD network. You will have the opportunity to establish a fundamental understanding of translational, military-relevant scientific research, while gaining hands-on laboratory experience using multiple WGS platforms, including the Illumina MiSeq/NextSeq, PacBio RSII, and the Oxford Nanopore MinION.

Why should I apply?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will be exposed to clinical assays to phenotypically characterize MDR bacterial species and molecular biology techniques to further study the molecular mechanisms of resistance. You will be highly encouraged to begin expanding your network of scientific colleagues and collaborators within the U.S. Department of Defense, academia, and commercial companies while performing bacterial WGS research in one of the most comprehensive sequencing laboratories in the US.

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 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

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. These research opportunities include ongoing efforts to identify and treat traumatic brain injury as well as to understand and mitigate the deleterious effects of repeated exposures to blast. 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.

The qualified candidate should have received an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Epidemiology, Genetics, including Genome Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Microbiology, Public Health, or related discipline. Degree must have been received within four years of the appointment start date. The facility is willing to train the candidate in this area.

The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).

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.
• One Recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until a recommendation is submitted. 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. The recommender 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 MRMC-WRAIR-2022-0013 in the subject line of the email.

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• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree received within the last 48 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (5 )