Biochemistry Research

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. As an ORISE participant and under the guidance of a mentor, you will help support the WRAIR mission through your active engagement in onsite research projects. During this opportunity, your focus will be to support projects centered to evaluate parasitic enzymes and bacterial enzymes as targets for antimalarial and antibacterial development. The hypothesis is enzymes involved in redox balance such as thioredoxin reductase, thioredoxin peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, or glutathione S-transferase and MEP pathway proteins are targets for therapeutic development. You will learn and perform in-vitro screening methods to include protein expression and purification, enzyme assays, and x-ray crystallography methods for antimalarial and antibacterial development. You will also in-vitro studies by maintaining laboratory supplies and keeping an accurate laboratory notebook. As WRAIR prepares you for the labor force, you will gain valuable insights to become a professional scientist and federal laboratory protocols. In addition, your mentor will develop learning objects to fit your personal career development goals, while providing guidance and education that will prepare you for your future.

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.

An ideal candidate will have a Bachelor or Master's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, biophysics, or a related discipline within the past five years.