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The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a postgraduate internship at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) located in Gunpowder, Maryland. 

Why should I apply?

Vesicants are a class of chemicals that induce injury on contact with exposed skin and mucous membranes.  Treatments for these injuries are only generally supportive (pain control, anti-inflammatory medication, etc.) as no specific treatments exist.  In cases of severe acute injury, long term prognosis is often poor.  Identification of specific targets involved in injury is necessary in the effort to develop effective therapeutics for this injury. At USAMRICD, we have developed the capability of performing inhibitory RNA high throughput screening (HTS) in in vitro models to identify therapeutic targets.  The targets are then tested in animal models developed by our lab.  This approach is similar to that used by pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs and treatments for other injuries and diseases. 

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. As the selected candidate, you will have the opportunity to participate in most aspects of the project.  This research involves both in vitro and in vivo techniques including cell culture, high throughput siRNA screening, immunoassays, multiplexed immunoassays, cell viability assays, robotic liquid handlers, high content analysis, small animal surgery, tissue dissection, small animal ocular exams, and data analysis. As such, you will learn a number of in vitro and in vivo techniques while participating in this NIH funded project, and you will have the opportunity to gain extensive experience in techniques and operate instrumentation the same as that used by leading pharmaceutical companies.  Knowledge of these cutting-edge research techniques and instrumentation will provide you experience that is very attractive for internal and external career advancing opportunities.

Where will I be located?

Gunpowder, 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 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 USAMRICD. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

• Annual stipends start at $51,993
• Health Insurance Supplement for singles and families (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance (up to $3000 per year is allotted for conference travel and participation)
• Incoming full-time participants may receive relocation/dislocation funds for qualified expenses

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.

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 a bachelor's degree or will have completed by June 30, 2024.  Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.  

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 - 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. 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 ARMY-MRMC@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [MRDC-MRICD-2024-0003] 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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• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 6/30/2024 12:00:00 AM.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 2.80
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (10 )
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).