Research Fellowship in Novel Cyanide Medical Countermeasures Development
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. Visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/USAMRICD.
The objective of this effort is to further characterize an easy to administer, safe, and efficacious cyanide medical countermeasure for use in limited or mass cyanide exposures. The safety and efficacy of our lead candidate cyanide medical countermeasure, dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) will be evaluated in small laboratory animals. In this research effort, DMTS will be administered via the intranasal route, the experience will include complementary research in which DMTS is administered via intramuscular injections. Under the supervision of a senior scientist and mentor, the participant will play a hands-on role in the development of project proposals and protocols, as well as an active role in the laboratory (e.g., data collection, data analysis, equipment set-up and maintenance, etc.). The participant will engage in collaborative projects with internal and external colleagues, will learn relevant techniques and assays, and will be encouraged to provide suggestions for improvement. Finally, the participant will also have opportunities to present data at relevant meetings and briefings and to prepare manuscripts for open literature publications.
Appointment Length
This appointment is a 12-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.
Participant Benefits
Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by MRICD. Other benefits may include the following:
- Health Insurance Supplement. Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE
- Training and Travel Allowance
Nature of Appointment
The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.
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.
Qualifications
Applicant should be currently pursuing or completed a Master's degree or PhD in one of the following or a related discipline:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Biology
- Experimental Psychology
Preferred skill-set and/or experience:
- comfortable working in a research team environment
- effective writing and speaking skills
- hands-on experience handling and using small laboratory animals in experimental studies
- knowledge of pharmacology and toxicology principles, particularly as it relates to inhalation toxicology
- experience in intramuscular, subcutaneous and intranasal administration in small laboratory animals
- willingness to learn new skills
- provide guidance and assistance to laboratory technicians
- ability to efficiently and effectively manage pressure
- ability to collaborate with internal and external collaborators
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
- Overall GPA: 3.00