USAMRIID Post-Doctoral Fellowship - Genomic and Functional Characterization of Animal Models

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
MRMC-USAMRIID-2021-0001
How to Apply

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

Description

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a doctoral fellowship at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (MRIID) Center for Genome Sciences (CGS).

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to characterize and further develop the animal model for infectious diseases. Within those models, ferrets (Mustela putorius furo), hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) and Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) are of great interest in the development of Medical Countermeasures (MCM). MCM is imperative to protect people exposed to known or novel biological threats. 

During your ORISE appointment, you will support CGS’s mission to successfully develop MCM to establish a reliable animal model that recapitulates human infection with the pathogen of interest. The goal of this project is to better characterize these animal models for infectious diseases, and develop and test species-specific reagents.

Aim 1: genomic characterization of the animal model.

Aim 2: resolution of highly repetitive immune loci.

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. These include, but are not limited to,

  • Partake in the development of Medical Countermeasures

  • Learn and collaborate with mentor to establishment of a reliable animal model that recapitulates human infection with the pathogen of interest.

  • With guidance, accurately construct both the genome and transcriptome to ensure the ability to perform transcriptomic analysis, describe immune-related loci, and be able to obtain the correct coding sequence and putative variants of proteins of interest for reagent generation.

  • Research the resolution of relevant immune-related loci by using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) sequencing to generate an accurate representation of the complete locus.

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.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate will have a doctoral degree in the area of genomics, immunology, molecular biology, and/or other biological/medical sciences.

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:

  • Familiar with basic concepts of genome and transcriptome organization in mammals
  • Experience conducting some research in the area of genetics and/or immunology.
  • Knowledgeable in the field of molecular biology and has some familiarity with immunology.

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

If you have questions, send an email to ARMY-MRMC@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [MRMC-USAMRIID-2021-0001] in the subject line of the email.

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Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 48 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (46 )