Immunology Postdoctoral Fellow

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) is a leading institute devoted to a multifaceted biomedical research program aimed towards improving health and preventing diseases of US troops stationed at home and abroad. The Malaria Biologic Branch (MBB) within the WRAIR Center for Infectious Diseases Research focuses its resources on studying mechanisms of various immune biologics in preventing infectious diseases caused by the vector-borne Plasmodium parasites as well as gram-positive bacteria amongst US troops deployed in multiple areas. Understanding the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum and bacteria, e.g., Klebsiella, the stages of microbial development and multiplication within the mammalian host, improving diagnostic tools, and developing preventative immunoprophylactics, such as monoclonal antibodies and T cell therapies, are amongst the key efforts being undertaken by the scientists in MBB.

The Department of Cellular Immunology of MBB focuses on two related areas of research concerning preventative and protective aspects of malaria: (1) understanding the liver stage of Plasmodium development, including the expression of unique liver-stage antigens; (2) applying liver immune response towards induction of anti-malaria effector function of antigen-specific T cells and B cells as well as producing monoclonal antibodies that target liver-stage antigens. Parallel projects concentrate on the mechanism of immune interventions against bacterial wound infections utilizing humanized monoclonal antibodies as a form of therapy in mouse models.

As an ORISE participant, you will be allowed to learn about the role the B cells and monoclonal antibodies play in the prevention of infections, be it by Plasmodium spp. or by bacteria. This opportunity will provide you the knowledge and understanding to become familiar with the use of various state-of-the-art equipment, such as 15 color flow cytometry, microscopy, tissue culture, and molecular biology. In gaining this expertise in planning and conducting experiments, you will learn approaches that require the development of novel immunological assays, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will also gain experience presenting findings to the WRAIR community and collaborators. This research opportunity will extend to include collaborations with other investigators at WRAIR, as well as collaborators at NIH NIAID Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccines, and Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health.

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 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.

The participant should have a PhD or MD degree in the area of immunology, molecular biology, or other biological/medical sciences.

It is preferred that the participant has a solid background and is conversant in the basic concepts of immunology and that the participant has had experience conducting some research in the area of immunology. In addition, it is desirable that the participant has experience with small laboratory animals, such as mice, is adept at handling the animals and is familiar with various immunizations. Apart from immunology, it is preferred that the participant is conversant in the field of molecular biology and has some familiarity with different aspects of microbiology.