Postdoctoral Fellowship in Infectious Disease Diagnostics and Biosurveillance
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering postdoctoral fellowship at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command - Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRDC MRIID).
What will I be doing?
As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to assist the Diagnostic Systems Division (DSD) with developing, characterizing, and fielding assays for the detection of various infectious diseases including high consequence viral and bacterial pathogens as well as toxins. Besides direct pathogen detection, the DSD investigates the use of host biomarkers of infection (ex. RNA and protein expression changes) to detect an infection or exposure when direct pathogen detection is not possible or feasible.
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,
- Participate in the evaluation of new technology for biothreat detection in addition to exploring ways to improve current fielded methods.
- Collaborate within the institute and with external partners to push our assays toward medical countermeasure development efforts or far forward locations for biosurveillance to accomplish the mission.
- Gain experience in developing new diagnostic assays to support the Chem-Bio Defense Program (CBDP), participate in sample testing from OCONUS and internal projects for the detection of high-consequence pathogens, and assist in CONUS and OCONUS targeted biosurveillance trainings and assay support.
Where will I be located?
Frederick, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
The USAMRIID 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?
Appointments are initially for one year with the option to extend the appointment for up to four additional years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.
What are the provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by USAMRIID. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:
- Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
- Relocation Allowance
- Training and Travel Allowance
Security Clearance
While participants will not enter an employment relationship with DoD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.
About USAMRIID
USAMRIID's reputation has been built over the years by numerous scientists and technical staff working to protect both military personnel and civilians from the threat of infectious diseases. The Institute participates in support of emerging disease investigations, working alongside colleagues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. As a reference laboratory for the Department of Defense, USAMRIID sets the standard for identification of biological agents. The Institute's workforce represents some of the top infectious disease and biological defense experts in the Nation—indeed, in the world. For more information about the USAMRIID, please visit https://usamriid.health.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 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 a doctoral degree in Immunology, Infectious Diseases, Biology, Microbiology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, or Chemistry. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- Basic concepts of immunodiagnostic and molecular diagnostic assay development
- Basic molecular biology knowledge of conducting research in the area of detection/diagnostics and infectious diseases
- Hands on experience in hybridoma technologies and antibody production, purification, downselection, and optimization
- Hands on experience in lateral flow immunoassay development
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.
- Two Recommendations. We encourage you to contact your recommenders 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 ARMY-MRMC@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [USAMRDC-MRIID-2025-0006] 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.
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!
ORISE GO
The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!
