The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering postgraduate internship at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command - Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAMRDC AARL) located at Fort Novosel, AL. This project falls under the Injury Biomechanics and Protection Group (IBPG) at USAARL. The IBPG Mission is to enhance Warfighter lethality, protection, and survivability for the battlefields of the future through next-generation biomechanical research.

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to gain experience in injury and performance biomechanics by engaging in specialized research described in grants, proposals, and other legal agreements in accomplishment of USAARL’s Injury Biomechanics and Protection Group mission.

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,

• Engaging with a biomedical research team Investigating injury biomechanics related to neurosensory response and injury.
• Identifying and characterizing injury patterns using medical imaging techniques and software tools.
• Learning and applying motion analysis algorithms, equipment, and techniques to understand human kinematics and anatomical structures.
• Learning and applying experimental methods to human exposure and response research that is currently being conducted.
• Collaborating on a multi-disciplinary team involved in all aspects of RDT&E, but particularly research Not Involving Human Subjects (RNIHS), cadaveric research, and Human Subject Research.
• Data collection in both lab- and field-based settings

In addition, as the selected candidate, you will have the opportunity to participate in protocol development; test equipment and apparatus design; testing setup/preparation; participant recruitment; data collection, as well as the preparation of reports, presentations, and other documentation on research progress and findings to be distributed, presented, and/or discussed within the laboratory and/or at scientific forums outside the laboratory.

Where will I be located?

On-site at Fort Novosel, AL.

What is the anticipated start date?

The USAARL 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? 

The anticipated length of the appointment is for one year. The appointment may be extended for additional years 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 USAARL. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

Security Clearance

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with DoD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. An interim clearance is required prior to the candidate starting his/her appointment. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.

About USAARL

The U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL) located at Fort Novosel, Alabama, is a nationally recognized laboratory for research into safety, survival, impact tolerance, sustainability and performance effectiveness of aviators and Soldiers. The USAARL’s research focuses on blunt, blast and accelerative injury and protection; crew survival in military helicopters and combat vehicles; the en route care environment; human operator health and performance in complex systems and sensory performance, injury and protection. Current USAARL work for the Army’s modernization priorities includes research in the areas of future vertical lift, the next generation combat vehicle and directed-energy weapons. The Laboratory’s highly skilled workforce consists of rated aviators, medical professionals, doctoral- and masters-level researchers, and research technicians. Visit https://usaarl.health.mil/ to learn more about USAARL.

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.