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The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) delivers lifesaving products including knowledge, technology and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the warfighter. WRAIR provides unique research capabilities and innovative medical solutions to a range of Force Health Protection and Readiness challenges currently facing U.S. Service Members and threats anticipated during future operations. These research opportunities include ongoing efforts to identify and treat traumatic brain injury as well as to understand and mitigate the harmful effects of repeated exposures to blast.

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will collaboratively participate within a research team assessing the biomedical and biological mechanisms of blast injury using in vitro and in vivo models, as well as biological samples collected from human patients and volunteers. These studies are critical to the experimental development of injury criteria, which will form the basis for:

• Developing standardized guidelines and test methodologies to study the effectiveness of therapeutic agents.
• The utility of biofluid biomarkers in pre/post-blast animal models, human volunteers and victims of blast exposure.

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 activities and research in several areas, including the opportunity to perform neurobehavioral assessments and design, develop, interpret, analyze, and implement the application of biological processes pre/post-blast insults.

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.

The qualified candidate will have earned a Doctoral degree in biomedical sciences within the past five years from the appointment start date.

Highly competitive candidates will have experience and/or skills in the following: 

• Hands-on experience with in vivo research.
• Injecting mice by oral, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intravenous route.
• Western Blot; ELISA; PCR and RT-PCR; confocal microscopy; Immunufluorescence (IF) assay; genomic DNA/RNA extraction and quantification; agarose gel electrophoresis.
• Fluorescence spectrophotometer.