Medical Entomology Laboratory Fellowship at U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine
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The US Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) has a medical entomology laboratory fellowship opportunity open to recent Master's-level graduates. The USAFSAM medical entomology program provides warfighters with timely, actionable information about vector-borne and zoonotic disease threats in their areas of operation. Our support of the Public Health mission allows our customers to make evidence-based force health protection recommendations anywhere in the world.
What will I be doing?
The medical entomology laboratory receives public health surveillance samples from Air and Space Force installations worldwide. As an ORISE participant, you will provide surveillance and research support primarily by processing, testing and analyzing medically important arthropods received by the laboratory. Arthropods received by the lab are tested for a variety of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases which include bacteria, viruses and parasites. You may evaluate and/or use different processing, testing and analytical approaches across vector types (ex. mosquitoes, ticks), on different instrument platforms, or may construct microorganism or arthropod phylogenies. You may also have the opportunity to optimize SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) genotyping assays such as for 1) insecticide resistance allele determination in mosquitoes, or 2) deer/human variant status in Anaplasma phagocytophilum. DNA barcoding will be used to support identification of damaged or novel samples. Opportunities for host bloodmeal identification, virus sequence recovery from degraded samples or exploration of tick cryptic diversity (Sanger sequencing approach) are available based on your background and interests. You may also support arthropod identification activities or participate in fieldwork to collect arthropods such as ticks, mosquitoes or other vectors of interest.
Where will I be located?
Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio
What is the anticipated start date?
The appointment will begin no later than September 30, 2023, with the exact start date determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.
What is the appointment length?
This appointment is a twelve-month research appointment at a full-time level of participation, 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 USAFSAM. 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 USAFSAM
The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) is a unique combination of three units: the Airman Systems Directorate (RH), the US Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) and the Human Systems Integration Directorate (HP). USAFSAM is the premier institute for research, education, and worldwide operational consultation in Aerospace Medicine. USAFSAM has guided the advancement of aerospace medicine and human performance from the beginnings of aviation through the onset of the space age and into the present, and is the oldest continually operating institution of its kind. It is also host to the largest aeromedical library in the world. This opportunity is with the Medical Entomology Program, Epidemiology Consult Service at USAFSAM, in the 711HPW of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. USAFSAM's Epidemiology Consult Service is also part of the Defense Centers for Public Health - Dayton.
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 have received a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Entomology, Biology, Zoology or a closely related field within the past 5 years or will expect to complete the degree by September 1, 2023.
Highly competitive applicants will have one or more of the following:
- Academic coursework in cell biology, zoology, molecular biology, entomology, parasitology, biology, epidemiology, genetics, microbiology, virology, or related disciplines
- Experience in nucleic acid extractions (DNA and RNA), testing for disease agents in arthropods, and sequencing experience
- Knowledge of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases, their epidemiology and ecology
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 - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- One Recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one 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. Recommenders 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 AIRFORCE@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [USAFSAM-2023-0003] in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing. Please do not send application materials to the email address above.
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