Biofilm Prevention and Treatment - Doctoral Fellowship with Defense Health Agency

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
DHA-JBSA-2023-0002
How to Apply

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

Description

Join the US Air Force and Defense Health Agency in cutting edge research as an ORISE doctoral student fellow and advance the field of self-renewing disinfectant strategies!

What will I be doing?

The lack of effective treatment modalities to address biofilms results in an excessive reliance on debridement to ensure complete removal of the infection. To address this, it is imperative to develop an easily deployed/used system capable of preventing or targeting existing biofilms in austere environments. For the current effort, existing, FDA approved antimicrobial products will be screened to determine their efficacy in simulated models of infection and hemorrhage. You will participate in creating the model, applying the test agents, and monitoring the outcomes of treatment. 

Why should I apply?

This project will be conducted at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in a well-appointed physiology laboratory. You will have access to state of the art surgical, monitoring, and imaging equipment. The project is dependent on complex polymicrobial wound infection models and has the potential to encompass microbiology, cell biology, and immunology techniques. You will actively engage in experiments under the guidance of mentors and other technical staff to further your professional development. In addition, you will gain useful knowledge on how government research is conducted, learn about grant opportunities, and be exposed to other military relevant research projects. Many opportunities will be presented for interdepartmental collaboration and exposure to joint research efforts between the services, educational institutions, small businesses, and other federal agencies. 

Where will I be located?

Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas

What is the anticipated start date?

September 25, 2023 

What is the appointment length? 

This appointment is a 12-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 DHA-JBSA. 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 Defense Health Agency (DHA-JBSA)

The Defense Health Agency is a joint, integrated Combat Support Agency that enables the Army, Navy, and Air Force medical services to provide a medically ready force and ready medical force to Combatant Commands in both peacetime and wartime. The DHA uses the principles of Ready Reliable Care to advance high reliability practices across the Military Health System by improving our system operations, driving innovative solutions, and cultivating a culture of safety.  For more information about the Defense Health Agency, please visit Defense Health Agency | 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

The qualified candidate will be pursuing a Doctoral degree in a biomedical field.

Highly competitive applicants will have knowledge of, and competency in, large animal physiology. Additionally, they will have one or more of the following:

  • Practical and functional knowledge of bacterial cell growth, preferably in the context of wound infection
  • Excellent communication, technical writing, and report/PowerPoint presentation skills
  • Knowledge and competency in microbiology and cell biology techniques such as culturing, live dead assays, proliferation assays, and aseptic technique 
  • Practical and functional knowledge of biosafety practices, pipetting, dilutions, unit conversions, and laboratory mathematics
  • Bench skills including proficiency in immunological assays including ELISA
  • Familiarity with graphing software such as Graphpad Prism and Sigma plot
  • Experience being patient and flexible in independent and team atmospheres

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 - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. 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. Recommender 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 orisedod@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [DHA-JBSA-2023-0002] 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.

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Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree.
  • Academic Level(s): Graduate Students.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Engineering (1 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (9 )
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