WRAIR - Science Communications Fellowship

Organization

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Reference Code

MRDC-WRAIR-2025-0022

How To Apply

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

Description

The Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Army Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) located in Silver Spring, Maryland is offering a postgraduate fellowship in Science Communications. WRAIR enables infectious disease and brain health threat research by providing valuable scientific research support and integrated data and insights on ongoing scientific research efforts.

What will I be doing and why should I apply?

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers to participate in science and science education and gain valuable skills and experience with navigating science communications in a large government research institute and learn specific communication strategies that enable the success of WRAIR’s research mission and projects.

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

• Reviewing and editing scientific publications for the scientific literature and assessing understanding and impact of these publications through data analytics.
• Translating complex scientific data into accessible information products and attending major conferences helping mentors build relationships with current and potential scientific collaborators
• Engaging with WRAIR scientists and gaining experience writing articles highlighting infectious disease and brain health research being conducted at WRAIR
• Designing and developing science education modules, covering infectious diseases and neuroscience:
• Creating hands-on, inquiry-based modules specifically developed to engage and educate rising 7th-12th graders using true laboratory techniques with subsequent data collection and analysis
• Via validated instruments and approved human volunteer protocols, assessing science learning outcomes and attitudinal changes using Atlas.ti and SPSS.

Where will I be located?

Silver Spring, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

The WRAIR 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.

Appointment Length

This appointment is a twelve-month, 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 provisions?

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by WRAIR. Stipends are typically based on the 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 Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements and 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, along with threats anticipated during future operations. See www.wrair.army.mil for more information.

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 is a U.S. Citizen who will have earned at least a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with at least one to two years of professional experience to support their application. As a science communications fellow, you should have an interest in applying your STEM background to gain new knowledge and experience through participation in scientific communications efforts.

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.
• Two Recommendations. 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. 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-WRAIR-2025-0022] 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!

Point of Contact

Kimberly

Eligibility Requirements">2 )

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
• Communications and Graphics Design (