What are the responsibilities and job description for the USAMRICD: Neuropharmacology Drug Research & Discovery Opportunity position at Zintellect?
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a post-bachelor’s fellowship at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD).
What will I be doing?
As the selected candidate, you will engage in laboratory experiments for medical and drug research and development (R&D) projects. The objectives are to elucidate neural injury mechanisms following toxic chemical intoxication, to understand the pathways and circuitries involved in seizure, inflammation, tissue damage, and behavioral deficit, to discover therapeutic strategies that suppress or reverse pathologic sequelae, and to screen drugs that can revive the toxic and neurobehavioral consequences by pharmacological or neurophysiological interventions.
Why should I apply?
Under the guidance of a mentor, this research will provide you with valuable hands-on experience in a variety of different disciplines. As such, you can expect to gain the following as part of your participation in the project:
- Learning basic laboratory skills and techniques; small animal (such as mouse, rat, guinea pig) surgical experience including the implantation of electroencephalographic (EEG) and optogenetic devices and microdialysis cannulae
- Gaining knowledge of rodent anatomy and physiology to aid in the dissection and extraction of various organs and tissues
- Participating in histological techniques required for the preparation of slides for image analysis; analytical experience through data analysis of enzymatic assay results
- Utilizing electrophysiology to better understand experiments involving the acquisition of EEG readings and the resulting data
- Learning the optogenetic and a variety of neurobehavioral testing procedures
- Learning automation and instrumentation through the use of liquid handling robotics, plate readers and spectophotometric and liquid chromatographic systems
- Writing abstracts and preparing posters for scientific presentations.
What is the anticipated start date?
MRDC-MRICD is ready to make appointments for May or June 2023. 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 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 benefits?
Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. 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 MRMC-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 Materiel Command (USAMRMC), 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 MRDC-MRICD, please visit army-mrmc@orise.orau.gov.
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.
