USAMRICD Point-of-Care Medical Diagnostic Development Internship

About the role

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering post bachelor's or master's internships at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD).

Why should I apply?

As an ORISE participant, you will learn and gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support academic and professional goals. You will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities and will be challenged to tackle novel problems along with an interdisciplinary team. The MRICD laboratory group values motivated candidates and encourages participants to propose, develop, and execute experiments and projects to develop them as well-rounded researchers.

What will I be doing?

• Under the guidance of your mentor, Dr. Nicholas Paparoidamis, you will engage in research projects involving the development and evaluation of medical diagnostics for exposure to toxic chemical agents.
• Specifically, point-of-care in vitro diagnostics able to measure exposure via electrochemical and optical techniques.
• A list of research activities that you may be involved with include, but are not limited to:
  • Applying electrochemical methods such as chronoamperometry for development of biosensors intended for eventual FDA approval.
  • Testing medical devices to include in vitro and in vivo evaluations of device efficacy.
  • Synthesizing biopolymers and development of novel colorimetric chemistries.
  • Planning and execution of experiments.
  • Analysis of experimental results.
  • Analysis and presentation of experimental data for inclusion in reports and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications.

Where will I be located?

Gunpowder, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

USAMRICD is prepared to begin this appointment as soon as possible and will review applications on an ongoing basis until a candidate is selected.

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 appointment provisions?

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. Other provisions may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (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.

Qualifications

The qualified applicant will have an earned bachelor’s or master’s degree in an eligible chemistry/material sciences or engineering discipline. 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 a minimum of a bachelor's degree within ten years of the desired start date are also eligible.

Application Requirements

• 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 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.