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The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) is seeking a current graduate student or a post-bachelor or master's graduate in molecular biology, Bioinformatics, Microbiology, Cell Biology or related field.

What will I be doing and why I should apply?

As an ORISE participant and under the guidance of a mentor, you will participate in research using a variety of molecular biology assays and bioinformatic tools to analyze malaria parasite genomes for the purpose of selecting genetically diverse strains from different geographic areas to use for controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) to provide support to anti-malaria drugs and vaccines testing. As the selected candidate, In addition, you will collaborate extensively with internal and external researchers on the culture adaptation and cloning of field malaria parasite strains.

As a participant in this program, you will gain extensive educational experience that will greatly enhance your professional development and career opportunities. In particular, you will experience working with cultures of malaria parasites at different stages of development under cGMP conditions, microsatellite analysis, targeted sequencing, SNP analysis and WGS analysis. This combination of assays is extremely difficult to find. Furthermore, you will conduct analyses using the most state-of-the-art software and bioinformatics tools, such as DNASTAR’s Genomics Suite and GeneMapper.

Where will I be located?

Silver Spring, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research 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 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. This internship may be part or full-time. 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 Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. 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 WRAIR

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) aims to conduct biomedical research that is responsive to Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements and delivers lifesaving products including knowledge, technology and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the warfighter. WRAIR provides unique research capabilities and innovative medical solutions to a range of Force Health Protection and Readiness challenges currently facing U.S. Service Members, along with threats anticipated during future operations. These research opportunities include ongoing efforts to identify and treat traumatic brain injury as well as to understand and mitigate the deleterious effects of repeated exposures to blast. For more information about the WRAIR, please visit www.wrair.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 received a bachelor's or master's degree within 48 months of the application date, or be currently pursuing a degree in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Microbiology, Cell Biology or related field with an expected graduation date of June 30, 2023. 

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• Knowledge of basic laboratory skills (sterile technique is a plus)
• Good documentation abilities
• Desire to learn
• Organized
• Detail-oriented

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 a 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. The recommender 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 MRMC-WRAIR-2023-0007 in the subject line of the email.

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• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 48 months or anticipated to be received by 6/30/2023 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )