Biomedical Technology Transfer Fellowship at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR)

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
MRMC-WRAIR-2020-0007RR
How to Apply

Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.

Description

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) carries out research to develop infectious disease countermeasures and to benefit brain health through studies to enhance our understanding of sleep, traumatic brain injury prevention/treatment and psychological resilience. 

WRAIR’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) is offering an opportunity to learn about the policies and laws that drive technology transfer for biomedical product development at Federal Laboratories and to develop the skills for a career in technology transfer. TTO has primary responsibility for the technology transfer function of WRAIR. This includes assisting in the development of technology transfer agreements to enable WRAIR's access to research resources (e.g., through material or information exchange and collaboration), to protect the government's rights in new inventions through patenting, and to advance development and to commercialize WRAIR discoveries. 

As WRAIR participant, you will be given an opportunity to apply a science background to a career in technology transfer and to create a new competency. This learning opportunity will further prepare you for positions in medical technology transfer offices within academia, industry, or the federal government. Under the guidance of a mentor you will be trained in activities such as:

  • Negotiating Confidential Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Clinical Trial Agreements, Cooperative, Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) and other technology transfer agreements for WRAIR.
  • Reviewing new inventions reported by WRAIR scientists for potential patenting or licensing.
  • Analyzing WRAIR patent portfolio and making recommendations on portfolio management.
  • Analyzing WRAIR patent portfolios to identify marketing opportunities and strategies.
  • Other activities related to technology transfer and intellectual property.

Learning Objectives:

  • Develop comprehensive understanding of the scientific portfolios in the biomedical field in order to serve as a subject matter expert.
  • Understand the scientific patenting strategies and aiding in identifying inventions for submission into the Invention Evaluation Committee (IEC).
  • Develop scientific relationships with partners in academia, industry and other probable partners.

Where will I be located?

Silver Spring, Maryland OR This appointment can be completed virtually so 100% participation from home is an option.

What is the anticipated start date?

WRAIR 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 fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length? 

This 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? 

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by WRAIR. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. The starting stipend for MS Degree with no experience is 60K and Ph.D. with no experience is 66K. 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 U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements. WRAIR conducts basic science, applied science, and animal and human subjects research to deliver lifesaving products including knowledge, technology and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the Warfighter. Areas of focus include tropical infectious diseases and HIV, medical care on the battlefield and post-traumatic stress disorders. For more information about the WRAIR, please visit www.wrair.army.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.

Qualifications

Candidates should be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in biomedical research fields (biology, chemistry, pharmacology, microbiology and other sciences). Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Ideal candidates will have a competitive academic performance (reflected in academic transcripts), research and communication (oral and written) skills and demonstrated capacity for creative thinking, and expertise in a STEM-related field, and be interested in being part of a multi-disciplinary, fast-paced environment, focused on biomedical research.

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. The status will go from Started to Submitted and then to Completed once the required recommendations have been received.

If you have questions, send an email to ARMY-MRMC@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [MRMC-WRAIR-2020-0007RR] 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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Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (20 )
    • Engineering (1 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (12 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (40 )
    • Physics (16 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (5 )
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