U.S. Army MRICD In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Nerve Agent Intoxication Countermeasures Research Internship

Organization

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Reference Code

MRDC-MRICD-2024-0004

Description

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering graduate internships or fellowships at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD).

Why should I apply and what will I be doing?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will have the opportunity to participate in several projects in two main research areas in a laboratory at the USAMRICD:

1) Evaluation and/or design of novel small molecules for the reversal of acetylcholinesterase inhibition by organophosphorus nerve agents (the main cause of nerve agent intoxication) using in vitro and ex vivo assay techniques (assay development may be involved).

2) Use of a human-relevant small animal model for the evaluation of countermeasures for nerve agent intoxication, including long term and transgenerational effects of exposure and treatment.

While participating in these projects, you will have opportunities to acquire skills needed to implement standard mouse breeding practices, participate in animal experiments aimed at evaluating the efficacy of countermeasures in genetically modified mice, as well as learning a variety of in vitro techniques including PCR genotyping and biochemical enzyme activity assays. In addition, you may learn experimental design and troubleshooting, data compilation and analysis techniques, preparation of manuscripts, posters, presentations, and other technical writings, as well as an opportunity to gain a variety of skills required to maintain a successful research laboratory.

 For more information regarding specific laboratory projects, please contact Dr. C. Linn Cadieux at christena.l.cadieux.civ@health.mil. 

This opportunity may be used to recruit multiple interns. 

Where will I be located?   

Edgewood, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

USAMRICD 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 USAMRICD. The stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location and for this opportunity the range will be $51,000-$80,000. 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 USAMRICD

The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) is the Department of Defense’s lead laboratory for medical chemical defense research. As a subordinate element of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC), the institute conducts research for development of medical countermeasures to treat exposure to various chemical threat agents for protection of soldiers and civilians. Scientific disciplines at USAMRICD include, but are not limited to, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, neuroscience, toxicology, physiology, psychology, and immunology.

Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USAMRICD or at our website https://usamricd.health.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

Must be a U.S. Citizen.

The qualified candidate will have completed a bachelor's degree or higher before entering internship but candidates currently pursuing a degree with a known completion timeframe are encouraged to apply. Degree must have been received within 5 years of appointment start date. U.S. military veterans who have been honorably discharged (or who have been medically discharged because of a service-connected disability) and who received a bachelor's degree or higher within ten years of the desired start date are also eligible.   

No specific skills are required however highly competitive applicants will have some familiarity with in vitro biochemical assays and/or small animal handling skills.

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.
• Two Recommendations. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until two recommendations are submitted. We encourage you to contact your recommenders 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 [MRDC-MRICD-2024-0004] in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing.  Please do not send application materials to the email address above.

Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 11/1/2024 12:00:00 AM.
• Overall GPA: 2.80
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (29 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).