Postdoctoral Research in Infectious Disease Biomarkers and Diagnostics at U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
USAMRIID-2022-0002
How to Apply

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

Description

The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) is offering a Post-Doctoral degree-level internship  within the Diagnostic Systems Division (DSD). The DSD develops, characterizes, and fields diagnostic assays for the detection of various infectious diseases including high consequence viral and bacterial pathogens. Besides direct pathogen detection, the DSD investigates the use of host biomarkers of infection (ex. RNA and protein expression changes) to detect an infection when direct pathogen detection is not possible or feasible. Such efforts include identifying specific gene expression changes that can differentiate viral from bacterial infections.

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers within the DSD where several projects involving the generation and analysis of targeted gene expression data using the NanoString platform. These studies cover multiple viral and bacterial pathogens collected over multiple years. 

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 may be involved with data analysis to investigate pathogenesis and identify host biomarkers of infection related to viral specificity, disease outcome, specific clinical presentation, etc. Included in the dataset is gene expression data from bacteria exposed to different antibiotics. Analyzing these data and incorporating new data will help identify differentially regulated genes that are predictive for antimicrobial susceptibility and develop targeted assays for rapid antibiotic susceptibility diagnostic assays. This fellowship involves the opportunity to gain access to high containment labs (BSL-2/3/4).

What is the anticipated start date?

The USAMRIID 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 USAMRIID. 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 USAMRIID

USAMRIID's reputation has been built over the years by numerous scientists and technical staff working to protect both military personnel and civilians from the threat of infectious diseases. The Institute participates in support of emerging disease investigations, working alongside colleagues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. As a reference laboratory for the Department of Defense, USAMRIID (Fort Detrick, Maryland) sets the standard for identification of biological agents. The Institute's workforce represents some of the top infectious disease and biological defense experts in the Nation—indeed, in the world.

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 have received a Doctoral degree in immunology, molecular biology, and/or other related Life, Health, or Medical Science discipline.

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:

  • basic concepts of genome and transcriptome organization
  • conducting research in the area of infectious diseases 
  • molecular biology and familiarity with immunology

The researcher will conduct research that requires the individual to obtain and hold Biological Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP) enrollment pursuant to the requirements of the Army Biological Surety Program. Individuals must maintain a current certification of enrollment in the BPRP as a condition of eligibility for continued participation. The BPRP is a suitability and reliability program operated by the agency and requires the participant to submit to and satisfactorily complete suitability and reliability screening and analysis. The participant must maintain the standards prescribed for the Army Biological Surety Program. As a condition of participation, participants in this appointment must also be approved by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice for access.

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 [USAMRIID-2022-0001R] in the subject line of the email.

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Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (6 )
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