The U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), located in Natick, Massachusetts is offering a postdoctoral fellowship in human performance related to nutrition and gut microbiology.

What will I be doing and Why Should I apply?

Studies within the Military Nutrition Division (MND) have identified relationships between the gut microbiota, physiology, metabolism, and health and performance outcomes in military personnel. As a participant you will be a part of ongoing studies that seek to use nutritional approaches targeting the gut microbiota to improve military performance. The MND is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to support this line of research. 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 have the opportunity to:

• Engage in the execution of randomized controlled trials conducted at the USARIEM and locations throughout the United States
• Contribute to the development of research proposals and protocols that aim to use nutrition interventions that target and leverage the human gut microbiota to improve human performance.
• Gain experience in the design and execution of human nutrition research.
• Learn and apply computational techniques to analyze multi-omics data sets to elucidate interactions between nutrition, stress and the gut microbiota in relation to cognition and physical performance.
• Learn research techniques including ELISA, qPCR, flow cytometry, high-throughput DNA sequencing, indirect calorimetry, stable isotopes, and exercise testing.
• Co-author manuscripts and present research at scientific conference.
• Interact with internationally recognized scientists in the fields of nutrition science, environmental physiology, experimental psychology, exercise science and microbiology. 

Natick, Massachusetts

What is the anticipated start date?

USARIEM is ready to make appointments immediately. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. 

What is the appointment length? 

This appointment is a one-year, full-time research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. 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 USARIEM. Stipends are typically based on a 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.

Nature of Appointment

As a participant, you will 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.

About USARIEM

The U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), in Natick, Massachusetts has four divisions: Military Nutrition, Military Performance, Thermal and Mountain Medicine, and Research Support. By leveraging its unique capabilities and facilities with industry, academia, and the government, USARIEM produces various essential products, including performance optimization doctrine, preventive medicine, planning doctrine, materiel development support, physiological monitoring strategies and predictive algorithms, and Health Hazard Assessments.

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.