U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID)
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a doctoral level internship at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). Since 1969, USAMRIID has served as the Department of Defense’s (DoD) lead laboratory for medical biological defense research. While their core mission is to protect the warfighter from biological threats, they also investigate disease outbreaks and threats to public health. Research conducted at USAMRIID leads to medical solutions—therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics, and information—that benefit both military personnel and civilians. USAMRIID is a subordinate laboratory of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC).
What will I be doing?
As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers within the Diagnostic Systems Division (DSD) where several projects involving the generation and analysis of pathogen and host biomarker data will be performed. These data will be utilized for the purpose of creating next-generation diagnostics focused on warfighter and force health protection.
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 be involved with data analysis to investigate pathogenesis and identify host biomarkers of infection related to viral and bacterial specificity, disease outcome, specific clinical presentation, etc. This opportunity offers the ability to learn advanced biological techniques such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), organoid modeling, and molecular diagnostics. During this research experience, you will learn how to manipulate and handle infected clinical matrices such as blood products and tissues resulting from animal studies. 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.
The qualified candidate will have received a Doctoral degree in cellular and molecular biology, infectious diseases and zoonoses, microbiology, or virology within the past 60 months or will expect to receive it by December 31, 2023.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- molecular biology and immunology
- conducting research in the area of infectious diseases and using infectious agents
- basic concepts of genome and transcriptome organization
- good laboratory practices and documentation procedures
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.
Learn more and apply for this fellowship here USAMRIID-2023-0005.