MRICD Neuroscience Research Opportunity

The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) located at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Gunpowder, MD 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), USAMRICD conducts research for development of medical countermeasures to treat exposure to various chemical threat agents for 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. For more information, visit us on Facebook at  USAMRICD is offering this research opportunity for current or recently graduated BS, MS or PhD candidates to engage in vivo studies to identify therapeutics against chemical threat agents.

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will engage in a team that collaborates 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. A second study involves collaborating 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.

• Planning and implementation of in vivo pharmacology studies to assess therapeutics against chemical-induced toxicity
• Participating in cell culture studies
• Gaining experience in ex vivo muscle tension studies (mouse diaphragm preparation)
• Participating in immunohistochemistry and microscopy studies on brain
• Conducting behavioral assays of motor, cognitive and emotional function
• Participating in small animal surgery
• Utilizing 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

Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

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.

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

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

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

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