Neuroscience Research

Position: Neuroscience Research Opportunity

Organization

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Reference Code

MRDC-MRICD-

How To Apply

Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.

Description

The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) is offering two Postgraduate/Postdoctoral fellowship opportunities at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Gunpowder, MD. The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) is the Department of Defense's lead laboratory for medical chemical defense research. As a subordinate element of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC), the institute conducts research for development of medical countermeasures to treat exposure to various chemical threat agents for the protection of soldiers and civilians.

Scientific disciplines at USAMRICD include, but are not limited to, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, neuroscience, toxicology, physiology, psychology, and immunology. Visit us on Facebook at

Who Should Apply?

These fellowships are for candidates who have an earned BS, MS, or PhD with a background in neuroscience or a related field. The two fellowships will be hosted in Dr. Lucille Lumley’s laboratory in the Neuroscience Department and in Dr. Michael Adler’s laboratory, respectively, at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD).

Why Should I Apply and What Will I Be Doing?

Under the mentorship of Dr. Lumley, you will join a team to collaborate on research projects involving in vivo studies to identify therapeutics against chemical threat agents. One project includes in vivo pharmacology and toxicology experiments to determine age and sex differences in chemical-induced seizure, epileptogenesis, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. This study includes the evaluation of therapeutics to mitigate the effects of exposure to cholinergic-induced seizure.

Methodologies include telemetry to assess EEG seizure, microscopy to assess neurodegeneration, and a battery of behavioral tests to assess motor, sensorimotor, emotional, and cognitive function.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Adler, you will collaborate on tiered studies using cell culture, ex vivo and in vivo approaches to evaluate the toxicity of toxins (especially neurotoxins) and to assess the efficacy of therapeutics in mitigating the toxic effects. Methodologies used in the laboratory include electrophysiological techniques in cultured neuron‑like cells and tension recordings in isolated nerve‑muscle preparations.

In addition, as the selected candidate, you will gain hands‑on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals.

This Includes, But Is Not Limited To

• Engaging in the planning and implementation of in vivo pharmacology studies to assess therapeutics against chemical‑induced toxicity
• Cell culture studies
• Ex vivo muscle tension studies (mouse diaphragm preparation)
• Participating in immunohistochemistry and microscopy studies on brain
• Behavioral assays of motor, cognitive and emotional function
• Small animal surgery
• Telemetric physiological assessments of brain, cardiac and motor function
• Preparing and writing manuscripts for publications
• Preparing and presenting scientific findings at conferences
• Obtaining experience with grant writing

Where Will I Be Located?

Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

What Is the Appointment Length?

USAMRICD is prepared to begin this appointment as soon as possible and will review applications on an ongoing basis until a candidate is selected. 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. For inquiries, please contact Lucille.a.lange.civ.

What

Are the Benefits?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by USAMRICD. The stipend will be commensurate with education and experience.

Other Benefits May Include The Following

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel…