Viral Diseases Support Researcher

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) aims to conduct biomedical research that is responsive to the Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements to deliver lifesaving products, including knowledge, technology, and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the warfighter. The Viral Diseases Branch (VDB) of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research develops and delivers safe and effective countermeasures against viral diseases that threaten Soldier readiness and degrade US Armed Forces lethality around the world.

WRAIR VDB is offering an ORISE opportunity that will focus on a variety of research and development projects on viral diseases surveillance, prevention, and treatments. As an ORISE participant, you will be involved in projects of pathogen discovery, bioinformatics, viral genomics, and antiviral drug development. These studies are directly related to VDB's mission on the support of healthy military protection. Throughout your appointment, you will receive a variety of hands-on experience with a focus on data collection and in-depth data analyses. This experience will focus on your career development, as you learn from experienced scientists and acquire essential skills of study design, data analysis, results interpretation, presentation of research discoveries, and communication with collaborators and other researchers.  

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. Opportunities to participate part-time (10 hours/week) or up-to full-time (40 hours/week) are available.

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.

Successful candidates will have a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry, molecular biology or related biological science and will pursue advanced education in related research areas. Wet laboratory experience is desired at BSL2 in processing clinical and field samples, performing molecular biology assays including PCR, RT-PCR, and quantitative assay. Knowledge and experience is needed in next-generation sequencing technology, such as Illumina sequencing and MinION sequencing with appropriate data analysis and basic/medium bioinformatics skills. Prior publication as first or second author in a peer-reviewed scientific journal is highly desired.