WRAIR - Optimization and Evaluation of mRNA Platform Technology Research Inernship

WRAIR - Optimization and Evaluation of mRNA Platform Technology Research Internship

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U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

MRDC-WRAIR-

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a post‑bachelor's internship at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command – Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (USAMRDC WRAIR).

The utility of the mRNA platform for infectious diseases lies in its speed, flexibility, safety and ability to elicit robust immune responses. mRNA medicines can be rapidly developed, modified, and combined into single formulations to target multiple pathogens. The technology uses a genetic blueprint to create a novel mRNA for target proteins, which can be encapsulated into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for delivery and cellular uptake.

This research opportunity will focus on a targeted gene design and bioinformatics approach to develop coding and non‑coding sequence elements for stabilizing mRNAs for in‑vivo delivery. These mRNAs will either express target antigens as vaccine candidates or for delivery of heavy and light chain antibodies as immunoprophylactic molecules or as mRNA replacement therapeutics.

Under the guidance of a mentor and as the selected candidate, you will learn how to apply algorithms to predict parts of coding and non‑coding sequences for optimization. You will design mRNA transcripts, produce them by standard molecular biological techniques, isolate plasmid DNA, PCR amplify templates, and perform in vitro transcription reactions (IVT). You will purify mRNA molecules to homogeneity, evaluate them for quality, and assess the final products in in vitro assays for expression levels and cellular localization.

In addition, you will evaluate mRNAs in vivo in mice to determine the effectiveness of the approach. These studies will identify basic features of mRNA transcripts that enhance mRNA stability and translation efficiency.

Silver Spring, Maryland

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

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

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) conducts biomedical research responsive to Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements, delivering lifesaving products and technologies. WRAIR provides unique research capabilities and innovative solutions to range of Force Health Protection and Readiness challenges facing U.S. Service Members, including ongoing efforts to identify and treat traumatic brain injury and mitigate the deleterious effects of repeated blast exposures.

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) program is administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) under an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants are affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment; no employee/employer relationship exists. Proof of health insurance is required for participation.

The qualified candidate must have earned a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, biochemistry, structural biology, immunology or another eligible STEM discipline within 24 months of the appointment start date.

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:

• Biochemistry – buffer preparation and general methods for purification of proteins, molecular biology techniques to isolate DNA, RNA, and cell biology
• Cell culture techniques such as sterile technique.
• Basic skills in nucleic acid quantitation (e.g., gels and spectrophotometry).

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records – please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity.
• Two recommendations (recommenders asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you).

If you have questions, send an email to ARMY-MRMCu.gov with the reference code MRDC-WRAIR- in the subject line.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree:
  Bachelor’s Degree received within the last 24 months.
• Disciplines:
  • Engineering – Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences

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