Warfighter Performance Human Subjects Research Intern

The U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL) located at Fort Rucker, Alabama, is a nationally recognized laboratory for research into safety, survival, impact tolerance, sustainability and performance effectiveness of aviators and Soldiers. The USAARL’s research merges the sciences of aviation and medicine to optimize human protection and performance. USAARL's work for the Army’s modernization priorities includes research in the areas of future vertical lift, the next generation combat vehicle and directed-energy weapons. The Laboratory’s highly skilled workforce consists of rated aviators, medical professionals, doctoral- and masters-level researchers, and research technicians.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will learn how to plan and conduct Army performance research for both aviation and ground vehicles. The participant will learn how research areas are identified through review of literature review and Army stakeholder/SME priorities and learn the medical, psychological, cognitive, and sensory requirements for operators determined through a review of previous research, task analyses, and targeted research projects both in the laboratory and under operational conditions. He/she will learn how to plan studies to include operations under nominal conditions as well as under a range of psychological and physiological stressors. In addition, the participant will help formulate potential strategies to mitigate health, environmental, operational, and technological threats to operator performance are developed and assessed in both laboratory and operational settings and gain experience identifying strategies that are compatible with the current military operational environment as well as taking into consideration likely future military requirements. Finally, the participant will learn about the ongoing assessment and validation of standards and strategies recommended in this research program, and how researchers deliver updated and improved medical research products.

The selected candidate will undergo a background investigation and must obtain a favorable clearance in order to participate. An interim clearance is required prior to the candidate starting his/her appointment.

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.

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by USAARL. 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.

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.

The candidate shall have an earned Bachelor's or Master's degree (preferred) or near graduating with a degree in psychology, human factors, kinesiology, human physiology, biomedical sciences/engineering, or other related field. Preferred skills include human subjects research experience along with experience developing research studies, writing protocols, completing data collection, and publishing technical reports and/or peer-reviewed publications. In addition, strong written and oral communication skills.