Entomology Research Opportunity
The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) is a unique combination of three units: the Airman Systems Directorate, the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) and the Human Systems Integration Directorate. The synergies of combining the ideas, resources, and technologies of these units position the 711 HPW as a world leader in the study and advancement of human performance. For more information about the 711th HPW: https://www.wpafb.af.mil/afrl/711hpw/. This opportunity is with the USAFSAM Epidemiology Consult Service, Operational Support Branch Medical Entomology Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
Air Force Public Health personnel conduct routine surveillance for disease vectors and medically important pests at various locations around the world. Collected samples are sent to the Medical Entomology Laboratory for identification and analysis. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will investigate arthropod samples collected from overseas locations in 2019 and later. The samples will be identified to order, family, genus, or species as appropriate and selected samples will then be analyzed for this project. Activities will include:
- Prepping and mounting samples to aid in taxonomic identification
- Creating voucher specimens
- Extracting nucleic acids to prepare samples for PCR and sequencing analysis
- Genetic sequencing of samples
- Detecting Febrile and Vector-Borne infectious agents in samples
- Analyzing nucleotide sequence data to confirm species identification or to reveal phylogenetic relationships
The participant may also investigate other genetic markers of interest such as insecticide resistance. The participant will be encouraged to submit all novel findings for presentation or publication. This opportunity is not expected to have a field work component.
Participant Benefits
Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by USAFSAM. Stipends are typically based on the 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
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.