USMRICD Neuroscience, Pharmacology, and Toxicology Research Internship
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
What will I be doing?
The Department of Defense is offering a research internship at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) located in Aberdeen, Maryland. Aberdeen is located in the prime Mid-Atlantic region minutes from Baltimore, Washington DC, Wilmington, DE, and Philadelphia. Aberdeen has world-class schools, stable and fast rail and highway transportation, and is the home of the US Army's foremost technology center, Aberdeen Proving Grounds. The selected candidate will participate in research projects sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) CounterACT program. The projects include in vivo pharmacology and toxicology experiments to determine the effects of chemical weapons and toxic industrial chemicals on the brain, with a focus on developing and improving medical countermeasures for acute poisoning. Model organisms may include planaria, mice, rats, guinea pigs, and large animal species.
Why should I apply?
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to 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:
- Gaining experience with fundamental concepts in neuroscience, pharmacology, and toxicology in an applied research setting.
- Learning techniques such as physiological monitoring (EEG, blood pressure, pulse oximetry), behavioral assays (elevated plus maze, open field test, Barnes maze, pre-pulse inhibition), and histology/immunohistochemistry.
- Performing statistical analysis of experimental data, conducting literature searches, and preparing data for presentation in the form of abstracts, slides, posters, manuscripts, and technical reports.
- Assisting with development of new analysis techniques for large neurobiological data sets.
Where will I be located?
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
The USAMRICD 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?
This is a full-time, 12-month appointment (part-time will be considered for the right applicant). Appointments may be extended for additional years 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 USAMRICD. For a full-time appointment, the anticipated stipend range for this appointment is $46,500 per year for undergraduate degrees and $57,200 for master's degrees. 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 USAMRICD
The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) is the Department of Defense's lead laboratory for medical chemical defense research. As a subordinate element of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC), the institute conducts research for development of medical countermeasures to treat exposure to various chemical threat agents for protection of soldiers and civilians. Scientific disciplines at USAMRICD include, but are not limited to, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, neuroscience, toxicology, physiology, psychology, and immunology. For more information about the USAMRICD, please visit Home at MRDC - USAMRICD (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.
The qualified candidate will have an earned associate's, bachelor's or master's degree, or be currently pursuing with an anticipated completion date no later than July 31, 2025. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date. U.S. military veterans who have been honorably discharged (or who have been medically discharged because of a service-connected disability) and who received an associate's, bachelor's or master's degree within ten years of the desired start date are also eligible.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- The ideal applicant is highly self-motivated and excellent at working in a team environment.
- Particular consideration will be given to applicants with experience with Python or R.
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. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until two recommendations are submitted. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) 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.
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If you have questions, send an email to ARMY-MRMC@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [MRDC-MRICD-2023-0010] 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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- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 7/31/2025 12:00:00 AM.
- Minimum Overall GPA: 2.80
- Discipline(s):
- Age: Must be 18 years of age
- Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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