MRICD Protein Engineering Research Internship

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering post bachelor’s level internship at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD).

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to focus on screening new enzymes in a variety of in vitro assays.

This research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), Defense Health Agency (DHA) in the field of protein engineering. Mutant enzymes from human and bacterial sources will be analyzed for catalytic activities against a broad spectrum of organophosphorus compounds and other substrates. As the selected candidate and under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain experience in laboratory techniques and instruments which may include assessment of enzyme concentrations, characterization of enzyme size by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, characterization of polydispersive index (pdi) and hydrodynamic radius (Rh) using dynamic light scattering instruments, enzyme-based activity assays for developing kinetic constants, thermal denaturation experiments to assess enzyme stability.

You will learn the process of around preparations for organophosphorus nerve agent hydrolysis assays, as well as other laboratory opportunities when available. Finally, you will be encouraged to present posters at scientific meetings.

Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and internships or fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

Appointments are initially for one year with the option to extend the appointment for up to four additional years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.

You will receive a stipend to be determined by USAMRICD. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location, the stipend range for this opportunity will be $54,750 - $59,900 for a 12-month appointment. Other provisions may include the following:

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

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 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 about the USAMRICD, please visit Home - USAMRICD.

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Association 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.

Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

The qualified candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, molecular biology, or other eligible STEM discipline. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment…