NAMRU-SA is located on the San Antonio Military Medical Center campus, Joint Base Fort Sam Houston, Texas. NAMRU-SA serves as one of the leading research and development laboratories of the U.S. Navy. The Command's Mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. NAMRU-SA scientists conduct basic, applied, and advanced technology research and development, including prototype demonstration in operational environments. The Biomedical Systems Engineering and Evaluation Department applies engineering principles and design concepts to develop and evaluate medical devices, treatments, and diagnostic tools used in military medicine. Core capabilities include advanced trauma mannequin systems and expertise designing human subjects research studies to evaluate design, safety, efficacy, and human factor aspects of medical devices deployed in prehospital medicine. The department also provides broad engineering expertise for a diverse portfolio of projects within the laboratory, including design and prototype development, computational modeling, custom machining/fabrication, and software development/automation.

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will have the opportunity to learn about the advanced development of a test and evaluation manikin that can be used to assess equipment and treatment protocols for casualty care in extreme cold environments. The long-term goal of this research is to understand gaps and deficiencies in current methods of combat casualty care. You will have the opportunity to be a key participant in the advanced design and development of the extreme cold manikin. In this research, the participant will have the opportunity to learn how to: 1) model core body and peripheral temperature loss specifically related to hypothermia caused by traumatic injury, 2) configure electronics to heat synthetic manikin tissue, 3) design sensors to assess the temperature of synthetic manikin tissues, and 4) assist in designing and building core body and peripheral temperature body part prototypes. The participant will collaborate with engineers from the Biomedical Systems Engineering and Evaluation Department at NAMRU-SA and manikin developers from SynDaver Laboratories.

Why should I apply?

This internship provides the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed test and evaluation manikin research forward. There are multiple opportunities available to engage in your applied research and evaluation interests.

Where will I be located? San Antonio, Texas

What is anticipated start date?

NAMRU-SA is ready to make an appointment immediately. Exact start date will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate.

What is the length of the appointment?

This ORISE appointment is a full-time eleven-week duration. 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 NAMRU-SA. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. 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 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.

Additional information that may be included if applicable:

While you will not enter into an employment relationship with DOD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.