EACE Orthotics & Prosthetics Research Fellow

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
EACE-2020-0014R
How to Apply

Components of the online application are as follows:

  • Profile Information
  • 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.
  • Recommendation(s) Required 

Submitted documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system.

If you have questions, send an email to STEM-WORKFORCE@orise.orau.gov . Please list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Description

The Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence (EACE) is the leading advocate for research and treatment of Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patients with extremity trauma and amputation. The Research & Surveillance Division of the EACE, specifically, conducts research studies aimed at improving the function and quality of life for patients with traumatic extremity injuries(https://www.health.mil/About-MHS/OASDHA/HSPO/EACE). This position will be housed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), the flagship of United States Military Medicine.

Through collaborative efforts with industry, academia, Veteran Affairs/DoD facilities, and private clinics, our multidisciplinary, cross-functional research and clinical team has taken a comprehensive approach to identify, investigate, and meet clinically relevant needs and gaps in the Orthotics & Prosthetics (O&P) field. This expands from device/technology advancements, clinical procedural/technique improvements, enhancements in rehabilitation and training, to optimize long-term outcomes and reduce secondary (musculoskeletal) issues following extremity trauma and/or limb loss. Here, we seek a highly motivated individual to focus on uncovering a deeper understanding of the clinical needs to advance the field of O&P to promote direct patient benefit. The highly preferred participant will have skills/knowledge in device design/engineering, prototype construction, fabrication/repair, static and dynamic alignment/fitting, gait analyses, and experience/interest in complex multi-disciplinary clinical studies in O&P to ultimately improve the function and quality of life of individuals following traumatic extremity injuries/limb loss.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the EACE O&P Research Fellow will have an opportunity to:

Learn of innovative technological, procedural, and rehabilitative advancements in O&P
-  Gain extensive experience and knowledge with/of the latest and most advanced technology in O&P
-  Apply clinical experience/knowledge to support and initiate research activities
-  Implement the use of state-of-the-art O&P devices and advancements to support and enhance research endeavors
-  Identify and investigate clinically relevant questions in O&P as it relates to device enhancement, prescription, casting, fit/alignment, training, rehabilitation/physical therapy, gait assessment, etc. following extremity trauma and/or limb loss
-  Learn new data capture and processing techniques
-  Reduce and analyze collected data
-  Participate in the dissemination of findings and idea development

For more information about EACE, please visit (https://www.health.mil/About-MHS/OASDHA/HSPO/EACE)

Appointment Length

This appointment is an eleven 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. 

Participant Benefits

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by EACE. Stipends are typically based on the 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

Nature of Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: A highly motivated individual with experience in the fields of biomedical engineering, orthotics and prosthetics, and/or physical therapy. Specific research background/demonstrated interest in the areas of extremity trauma, limb loss, and orthotics & prosthetics are highly desired. A record of scientific publication/conference presentations and excellent technical writing skills are a plus. 

Education/Training: Working towards or completed a PhD, DPT, or MSPO/CPO from an accredited institution specializing in orthotics and prosthetics, or a related field.

Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
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