USAMRIID: Post-Doctoral Fellowship - Biothreat Pathogens
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a post-doctoral level internship at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). Since 1969, USAMRIID has served as the Department of Defense's (DoD) lead laboratory for medical biological defense research. While our core mission is to protect the warfighter from biological threats, we also investigate disease outbreaks and threats to public health. Research conducted at USAMRIID leads to medical solutions—therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics, and information—that benefit both military personnel and civilians. USAMRIID is a subordinate laboratory of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC).
What will I be doing?
As an ORISE participant, you will identify bacterial targets from biothreat pathogens (Francisella tularensis, Yersinia pestis, etc.) that are necessary for virulence. These proteins will be exploited for the development of novel medical countermeasures to prevent tularemia or plague.
Why should I apply?
- Constructing genetic mutants in surrogate or BSL-3 bacterial pathogens to determine if the protein is necessary for virulence. In addition, this virulence protein/enzyme would undergo assay development to be able to be screened for potential inhibitors and protect laboratory rodents from disease.
- Following a research project from basic discovery to a higher TRL for the development of potential novel antibiotics.
- Executing multiple microbiological methods to include propagating and manipulating fastidious bacteria under BSL-2 and BSL-3 conditions; animal-handling and performing necropsies and sample processing under ABSL-2 and ABSL-3 conditions.
- Conducting complex in vitro bacterial assays (to include microscopy, bacterial inhibition assays, and tissue culture bacterial infections with primary cells) under BSL-2 and BSL-3 conditions.
What is the anticipated start date?
The USAMRIID is ready to make appointments for June or July 2023. 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 USAMRIID. 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)
- Training and Travel Allowance
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 (Fort Detrick, Maryland) 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 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 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.
- Familiar with basic concepts of bacterial pathogenesis
- Experience conducting some research in the area of genetics and/or bacterial pathogenesis
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
If you have questions, send an email to ARMY-MRMC@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [USAMRIID-2022-0003] in the subject line of the email.
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