MRICD Protein Engineering Research Internship
What will I be doing?
As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to focus on screening new enzymes in a variety of in vitro assays.
Why should I apply?
This research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), Defense Health Agency (DHA) in the field of protein engineering. Mutant enzymes from human and bacterial sources will be analyzed for catalytic activities against a broad spectrum of organophosphorus compounds and other substrates. As the selected candidate and under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain experience in laboratory techniques and instruments which may include assessment of enzyme concentrations, characterization of enzyme size by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, characterization of polydispersive index (pdi) and hydrodynamic radius (Rh) using dynamic light scattering instruments, enzyme-based activity assays for developing kinetic constants, thermal denaturation experiments to assess enzyme stability. You will learn the process of around preparations for organophosphorus nerve agent hydrolysis assays, as well as other laboratory opportunities when available. Finally, you will be encouraged to present posters at scientific meetings.
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. For more information about the USAMRICD, please visit Home - USAMRICD.
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.