Postdoctoral Immunology Fellowship at The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR)

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
MRMC-WRAIR-2022-0008
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) is offering a postdoctoral immunology research fellowship.

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers with a focus on research concerning immune responses induced by Plasmodium parasite, the causative agent of malaria, and various bacterial strains that cause wound infections. The specific focus on malaria-related project is the analysis of the type of immune responses that arise against antigens expressed during Plasmodium liver stage development. Towards that end, a group of antigens has been identified that as DNA or protein immunogens that are able to induce reduction of Plasmodium parasite burden. Another focus of both the malaria and bacteria-related project is the production of monoclonal antibodies that will be used prophylactically murine malaria and wound-infection models to ameliorate the degree of infection. 

Why should I apply?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Along the way, you will engage in various research projects and activities including:

  • selecting antigens that as mRNA vaccines are able to prevent malaria infection in a murine model of protective immunity
  • analyzing protective responses including studies of B cells, CD4 T cells, and CD8 T cells with specificities to the liver stage antigens
  • understanding functional attributes of these lymphocytes and focusing on the determination of cellular subsets (for example, CD4 follicular helper (Tfh) cells and CD8 resident memory (rm) Trm cells)
  • presenting results to the laboratory team and members of the institute

As a fellow, you will participate in these experiments in collaboration with other scientists and will collect these cells and conduct analysis using available assays and laboratory equipment, such as flow cytometry. As a result of this experience, you will strengthen your understanding of the various immune mechanisms involved in protection against bacterial and protozoan pathogens.

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 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 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 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

The qualified candidate will be currently pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D. and be graduating by May 31, 2022, or will have received a Ph.D or M.D. within 4 years of the appointment start date.

The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).

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

If you have questions, send an email to ARMY-MRMC@orise.orau.gov.  Please list the reference code of this opportunity MRMC-WRAIR-2022-0008 in the subject line of the email.

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Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 48 months or anticipated to be received by 5/31/2022 12:00:00 AM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (5 )
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