Pre-Clinical Studies Using Vaccine-Adjuvant Formulations

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) aims to conduct biomedical research that is responsive to U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements. WRAIR (www.wrair.army.mil) conducts basic science, applied science, and animal and human subjects research to deliver lifesaving products including knowledge, technology and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the Warfighter. Areas of focus include tropical infectious diseases and HIV, medical care on the battlefield and post-traumatic stress disorders.

This is an educational opportunity in science and technology in which the participant will be mentored by experienced scientists. The participant will be have the opportunity to collaborate with other scientist and technical staff in the area of research and development. The research project involves developing and conducting experiments to determine the presence of antibodies from pre-clinical samples and/or from human clinical trials using a variety of biochemical and immunological methods to include surface plasmon resonance and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The participant will be taught general laboratory techniques such as preparing buffers and reagents required for the experiments, tissue culture, purification of proteins, virus growth and purification, data collection, data analysis, and preparation of graphs and or tables, and statistical analyses of the data. The participant will also have to maintain a laboratory notebook detailing all the experiments and the results in a clear and accurate way to present results at laboratory meetings under the mentor's guidance.

The participant will have to complete all the required safety training provided by the Institute and the laboratory and follow all the safety and security guidelines of the laboratory and the Institute. The research environment is a laboratory setting which utilizes small animal, nonhuman primate and human samples that could be infected with HIV or other blood borne pathogens.

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.

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by WRAIR. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

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.

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in a scientific discipline.

Minimum Experience: 0-2 years research experience

Skills: Knowledge of standard laboratory, immunological, and protein purification techniques, knowledge of ELISA, knowledge of tissue culture, knowledge of basic protein biochemistry, analyte-ligand interactions, ability to follow instructions, good communication and analytical skills, basic computer skills, ability to calculate and analyze data.