USAMRICD Invertebrate Pharmacology and Toxicology Research
Reference Code
MRDC-MRICD-2024-0010
Description
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering undergraduate internships at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD).
What will I be doing?
Participants selected for this opportunity will develop a planaria model of chemical weapons exposure to enable screening of novel medical countermeasures.
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,
- Basic laboratory techniques like pipetting, dilution, and solution preparation
- Invertebrate physiology, handling, and care
- Operation of specialized motion-tracking software
- Data analysis, visualization, and interpretation
- Preparation of research materials for presentations and written reports
- General principles of pharmacology and toxicology
Cross-training on additional projects involving rodents will be available for the interested applicant. For more information about this position, please reach out to Dr. Hilary McCarren, hilary.s.mccarren.civ@health.mil.
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?
An ORISE appointment period can be a short-term or up to 12-months in duration. 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. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Participants will receive an annual stipend starting at $46,500 for associate’s degrees and $52,000 for bachelor’s degrees. 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.
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 an earned associate or bachelor's degree or be currently pursuing with anticipated completed by May 31, 2028. Earned degree must have been received within five years of the 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 an associate or bachelor's degree within ten years of the desired start date are also eligible.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- Previous experience with aquatic model species like planaria or larval zebrafish.
- They should be self-motivated, skilled at working independently, and excellent at communicating.
Full-time participation is preferred, but part-time and/or seasonal participation may be negotiated for a highly-skilled applicant that is actively enrolled in an educational program.
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. 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-2024-0010] 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: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/31/2028 12:00:00 AM.
- Overall GPA: 2.80
- Academic Level(s): Post-Associate's, Post-Bachelor's, or Undergraduate Students.
- Discipline(s):
- Age: Must be 18 years of age
- Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).