Experimental Psychology / Neuroscience / Animal Behavior Fellowship

Description

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 Development and Materiel 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. Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USAMRICD.

Why Should I Apply And What Will I Be Doing?

This opportunity is for a new program at USAMRICD to develop medical countermeasures for acute non-kinetic battlefield injuries. This line of research is unique among the Department of Defense and participants will be able to make lasting contributions to new and emerging science. This opportunity will primarily be working with non-human primates, though other collaborative efforts using lower-order species (e.g., rodents) are possible. As this is a new program, participants will not only learn how a government laboratory functions, but will also have unique learning opportunities related to research program development and establishing lasting research capabilities. This research is also highly collaborative and involves experts throughout the U.S. Government and Academia, allowing participants the opportunity to collaborate and learn from experts from multiple disciplines.

This opportunity will include hands-on experiments with animals, so participants should be comfortable in that type of laboratory environment. Participants with a background in statistics, behavior, and cognition are preferred. This opportunity is most appropriate for individuals interested in government research and will offer opportunities for the participant to learn how to be a Principal Investigator.

The research includes sensitive and classified material, so participants will be required to obtain and maintain a secret clearance for this role; the mentor will coordinate this for the selected candidate. Reports and manuscripts generated in support of this program will be classified, so participants need to consider (and may inquire about) this potential limitation.

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Planning and executing in vivo experiments to assess acute non-kinetic battlefield injuries
• Assessments of physiological, behavioral, and cognitive function
• Preparing and writing classified technical reports for government sponsors
• Preparing and presenting scientific findings at conferences
• Experience with proposal writing for government-funded research programs
• Engaging with internal and external collaborators across the U.S. Government and Academia
• Experience in establishing new research programs and capabilities

Where will I be located?  Gunpowder, Maryland

What is the appointment length? USAMRICD is prepared to begin this appointment as soon as possible and will review applications on an ongoing basis until a candidate is selected. This appointment is a twelve month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. 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 USAMRICD. 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 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

• Applicant should have completed, or is currently pursing a Doctoral degree in Cognitive Science, Experimental Psychology, Animal Sciences, Neurosciences, or related life/health/medical science field within the past five years. Participant must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Required to complete a background investigation
• Able to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Please click here to apply.