Behavioral Neuroscience Research Fellowship - Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR)
Reference Code
MRDC-WRAIR-2023-0015
Description
The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) is a premier research institution dedicated to soldier and world health. WRAIR also conducts military psychiatry and neuroscience research, from basic studies to advanced development. They are offering a research opportunity within the PACE lab for Bachelor's level graduates in the area of Behavioral Neuroscience. The PACE lab uses basic neuroscience approaches, preclinical models, and behavioral pharmacology to develop new drugs for the treatment of traumatic stress related disorders. The lab focuses on projects designed to identify drugs that restore behavioral performance after stress. These projects support WRAIR’s brain health mission through developing promising candidate compounds to treat traumatic stress symptoms in the warfighter, thus restoring performance and Soldier lethality.
What will I be doing and why I should apply?
As an ORISE participant and under the guidance of a mentor, you will support a research project to evaluate novel pharmacological treatments for therapeutic efficacy in facilitating recovery from the adverse effects of traumatic stress exposure at acute timepoints using preclinical methods and models in rodents. Novel candidate compounds demonstrating efficacy of 30% or greater will be transitioned to advanced development and eventually launched for clinical studies to evaluate effectiveness in humans exposed to trauma. During this appointment, you will gain experience in the neuroscience and pharmacology fields by receiving training in conducting pre-clinical research using specific data collection methods while developing and adhering to standard operating procedures. You will gain experience in conducting literature reviews; collecting, analyzing, managing, and visualizing data; presenting research findings at local conferences; and co-authoring manuscripts. During the length of your appointment, you will collaborate closely with other team members on research projects.
Where will I be located?
Silver Spring, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
Fellowships will begin summer of 2024. 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?
This appointment is a twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. This internship may be part or full-time. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.
What are the benefits?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. 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 WRAIR
The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) aims to conduct biomedical research that is responsive to Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements and delivers lifesaving products including knowledge, technology and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the warfighter. WRAIR provides unique research capabilities and innovative medical solutions to a range of Force Health Protection and Readiness challenges currently facing U.S. Service Members, along with threats anticipated during future operations. These research opportunities include ongoing efforts to identify and treat traumatic brain injury as well as to understand and mitigate the deleterious effects of repeated exposures to blast. For more information about the WRAIR, please visit www.wrair.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 be pursuing or have received Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology or a related scientific field. Previous experience with animal handling is preferred, but not required.
The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety, and Health requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g., facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).
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 - For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- One Recommendation- Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until a recommendation is submitted. We encourage you to contact your recommender 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. The recommender 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 MRMC-WRAIR-2023-0015 in the subject line of the email.
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Eligibility Requirements