Molecular Biology Research Internship - US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
The Operational Diagnostics Department at the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) conducts laboratory and OCONUS field testing for high-consequence infectious diseases under research use only (RUO), good laboratory practice (GLP), clinical (CLIP/COLA), and environmental (ISO) standards. The group validates assays for both clinical and environmental regulatory use. A master's-level internship is available within this group for a candidate interested in learning about bridging RUO assays for OCONUS, GLP, clinical, and environmental use.
What will I be doing?
As an ORISE participant, you will have the opportunity to conduct sample testing from OCONUS and internal projects for the detection of high-consequence pathogens. You will be involved with developing and using molecular assays such as real-time PCR and sequencing to study the prevalence of infectious diseases in the target study populations. You would also learn about sample testing under a regulatory umbrella (ex. good laboratory practice, GLP), analyze and interpret data, and report the results through presentations and manuscripts.
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.
The qualified candidate will have received a Master's degree in Biology (General), Cellular and Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Microbiology, Public Health, or Virology within the past 60 months.
Highly competitive applicants will have prior laboratory experience and experience in one or more of the following:
- OCONUS sample testing
- BSL-3 or BSL-4 laboratories
- Cell culture and viral/bacterial propagation
- Clinical diagnostics and regulatory laboratory experience for high-consequence pathogens
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(s) 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.
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-2023-0006 in the subject line of the email.
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- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
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Discipline(s):
- Life Health and Medical Sciences (6 )
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