The Blast Induced Neurotrauma Branch at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) is seeking a current, or recently graduated, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level candidates.

What will I be doing and why I should apply?

As an ORISE participant and under the guidance of a mentor, you will be involved with the mission of the Blast Induced Neurotrauma (BINT) Branch. The BINT branch has state-of- the-art equipment for blast exposure (e.g. advanced blast simulators), for functional assessments (e.g. Electroencephalogram (EEG) for brain, Auditory brainstem response (ABR)/Distortion-product otoacoustic emission for ear, Electroretinography for eye, Whole-body plethysmography - cardiopulmonary) and for behavioral assessments (e.g learning and memory, anxiety, activity, motor and coordination tests), which participants will have an opportunity to learn.

Participants will have opportunity to participate in several of the research focus areas using a cross-disciplinary approach.

Focus areas of research include, but not limited to:

• Injury biomechanics and understand the effectiveness of personal protective equipment as countermeasures to blast and blunt trauma
• Blast physics and experimental modeling of blast
• Signal processing and analysis of blast exposure
• Therapeutic strategies targeting pathophysiology of blast exposure
• Injury risk criteria and health hazard assessment associated with single and repeated blast exposure
• Neurosensory pathophysiology associated with blast exposure and development of countermeasure strategies
• Investigating genetic and neurodegenerative molecular cascades associated with blast and blunt trauma
• Interspecies scaling of injury using clinical readouts such as MRI, behavior and functional assessments (e.g. Electroencephalogram - EEG)
• Understanding wearable sensor technologies to detect and monitor blast exposure in training and laboratory environment
• Understanding sleep disturbances and post traumatic epilepsy associated with blast exposure

Where will I be located?

Silver Spring, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research is ready to make appointments immediately. 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.

What is the appointment length?

This appointment is a twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. This internship may be part or full-time. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant. 

What are the benefits?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Stipend ranges are listed below:

Bachelors: $45,000 – $75,000

Masters: $65,000 – $85,000

PhD: $75,000 –$95,000

Other benefits may include the following:

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

About WRAIR

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) aims to conduct biomedical research that is responsive to Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements and delivers lifesaving products including knowledge, technology and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the warfighter. WRAIR provides unique research capabilities and innovative medical solutions to a range of Force Health Protection and Readiness challenges currently facing U.S. Service Members, along with threats anticipated during future operations. These research opportunities include ongoing efforts to identify and treat traumatic brain injury as well as to understand and mitigate the deleterious effects of repeated exposures to blast. For more information about the WRAIR, please visit www.wrair.health.mil.

About ORISE

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. 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.