The Department of Defense (DOD) is offering a bachelor's level internship at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD).
What will I be doing?
Vesicants are a class of chemicals that induce injury on contact with exposed skin and mucous membranes. Treatments for these injuries are only generally supportive as no specific treatments exist. In cases of severe acute chemical injury, long term prognosis is often poor and involves interaction of many biological pathways. We are applying artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to accelerate novel therapeutic development by investigating complex relationships between assay results, omics data, and medical images. These AI efforts will be coupled with siRNA high throughput screening (siRNA HTS) to identify therapeutic targets and test targets in animal models developed by our lab. This approach is similar to that used by pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs and treatments for other injuries and diseases. This research involves in vitro, in vivo, and in silico techniques including cell culture, siRNA HTS, multiplexed immunoassays, cell viability assays, robotic liquid handlers, small animal surgery, tissue dissection, immunoassays, small animal ocular exams, data analysis, and machine learning. For more information, please contact Albert L. Ruff, PhD at albert.l.ruff2.civ@health.mil or 410-436-8456.
What should I apply?
As an ORISE participant you will gain hands-on experience under the guidance of a mentor to support their academic and professional goals. As the participant finds success in their research efforts, they will have the opportunity to present their research findings at a national conference(s), and author or co-author a manuscript(s). This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated BS-level scientist to explore a career in government research and apply their technical skills in a multidisciplinary and translational environment.
The candidate will receive an annual stipend of ~$54,754 ($4562/month). Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, and experience.
Where will I be located?
Gunpowder, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
The MRICD 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.
About MRICD
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.
