USAMRIID Antiviral Drug Discovery and Infectious Disease

Reference Code 

USAMRDC-MRIID-2026-0008R

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through Zintellect at www.zintellect.com

Description

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a postdoctoral fellowship at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command – Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRDC MRIID).

What will I be doing? 

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will engage in efforts to advance translational antiviral drug discovery. Research activities will include recombinant protein expression and purification, biochemical screening assay development, computational structural modeling, cell-based antiviral validation studies, and exposure to preclinical small-animal research models.

Why Should I Apply? 

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will engage in research activities that include, but are not limited to: Designing, expressing, purifying, and characterizing recombinant viral and host proteins to support biochemical and structural studies. Applying computational tools to analyze protein structure and function, identify potential binding pockets, and map small-molecule interactions. Developing and using biochemical and cell-based assays to evaluate candidate antiviral compounds and investigate their mechanisms of action. Gaining experience with high-throughput phenotypic drug screening and anti-viral assays and applying promising therapeutic candidates in organoid and zebrafish disease models, with opportunities to support subsequent preclinical small-animal studies. Learning research that integrates protein science, computational analysis, and antiviral drug discovery with advanced disease models, including organoids and zebrafish, to evaluate promising therapeutic candidates. 

Where will I be located? 

Frederick, Maryland 

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? 

Appointments are initially for one year with the option to extend the appointment for up to four additional years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability. 

What are the provisions? 

You will receive a stipend to be determined by MRIID. The stipend range for this opportunity is $70,000-$80,000/12-month appointment. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following: • Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE) • Relocation Allowance • Training and Travel Allowance 

Security Clearance 

While participants will not enter an employment relationship with DoD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.