The Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence (EACE) is offering a postdoctoral opportunity in Bethesda, Maryland.

What will I be doing?

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to study human-device interaction in the context of extremity trauma/limb loss. The next generation of wearable robots (e.g., exoskeletons and prostheses) and surgical interventions for limb loss (e.g., agonist-antagonist myoneural interfaces, osseointegration) will blur the boundaries between assistive devices and the human neuromuscular system. To optimize long-term mobility and quality of life for Service members with extremity trauma, rigorous experiments are required to understand the mechanisms by which these systems interact and how those mechanisms adapt over time.

Why should I apply?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Along the way, you will engage in activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to:

• Design, construct, and operate electromechanical/robotic systems
• Collect and analyze data produced by these systems and the associated projects
• Disseminate findings
• Generate ideas for future projects

Where will I be located? Bethesda, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

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 fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length?

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.

What are the benefits?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by EACE. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

• Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About EACE

The Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence (EACE) is the leading advocate for research and treatment of Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patients with extremity trauma and amputation. The EACE leads efforts to enhance collaboration between the DoD and the VA extremity trauma and amputation care providers and conduct scientific research to minimize the effects of traumatic injuries and improve clinical outcomes (https://www.health.mil/About-MHS/OASDHA/HSPO/EACE). This position will be housed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), the flagship of United States Military Medicine.

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.

The qualified candidate will have a PhD in biomedical engineering or a field of study included in the eligibility criteria. Degree must have been earned within 5-years of the appointment start date. Candidates currently pursuing a PhD with an anticipated completion date of June 1, 2024, are also eligible to apply.

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

• Experience in the fields of mechatronics, robotics, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, or related fields
• Experience designing mechatronic systems that mechanically interface with participants
• Experience designing magnetic resonance (MR) compatible systems
• Specific research background in the area of extremity trauma
• Record of publication and excellent technical writing skills
• 1-2 years of experience performing engineering research relating to human-machine interaction

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

• 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.
• One recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

If you have questions, send an email to STEM-WORKFORCE@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [EACE-2024-0004] in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing. Please do not send application materials to the email address above.

Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree to be received by 6/1/2024 11:59:00 PM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Engineering

The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!