Postdoctoral Fellowship in Virology Research - Hantavirus Medical Countermeasures

Organization

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Reference Code

USAMRDC-MRIID-2025-0003

How to Apply

Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.

Description

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Virology Research 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 join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to discover and develop medical countermeasures targeting hantaviruses. Currently we use Syrian hamsters as models of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), a disease with a very high case-fatality rate in humans. Andes virus is the hantavirus used in this model. Interestingly, Andes virus is the only hantavirus for which there is person-to-person transmission.

Why should I apply?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to support your academic and professional goals. The participant will have the opportunity to engage in research and learning activities focusing on several important unknowns, including:

• Can we model transmission using hamsters?
• How does Andes virus infect when exposure is via different routes such as by inhalation or ingestion?
• Can we identify a "trigger-to-treat" biomarker in hamsters allowing for an early marker for intervention?
• Can we advance our candidate medical countermeasures toward licensure or emergency use authorization status?

Most, but not all, of this research is conducted in either BSL-3 or BSL-4 high containment laboratories. This appointment will require enrollment in a Biological Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP).

Where will I be located?

Fort Detrick, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

The USAMRDC MRIID 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 USAMRDC MRIID. 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 into 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.

About USAMRDC MRIID

USAMRIID's reputation has been built over the years by numerous scientists and technical staff working to protect both military personnel and civilians from the threat of infectious diseases. The Institute participates in support of emerging disease investigations, working alongside colleagues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. As a reference laboratory for the Department of Defense, USAMRIID sets the standard for identification of biological agents. The Institute's workforce represents some of the top infectious disease and biological defense experts in the Nation—indeed, in the world. For more information about the USAMRDC MRIID, please visit https://usamriid.health.mil/.

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 a doctoral degree in virology. Degree must have been received within eight months of the appointment start date. Highly competitive applicants will have experience in virology research.

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 - 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. 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 [USAMRDC-MRIID-2025-0003] 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.

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 8 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (3 )