What are the responsibilities and job description for the Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellowship, Viral Immunology Branch position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
USAMRDC-MRIID-2026-0003
How To Apply
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
Description
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellowship for recent graduates (within two years of degree completion) seeking experience in the areas of host-virus interactions, therapeutic and vaccine development, and surveillance for emerging infectious viral pathogens.
What will I be doing?
MRIID's research focuses on high-consequence viral families, including hantaviruses, nairoviruses, flaviviruses, coronaviruses, filoviruses, and paramyxoviruses. Fellows will participate in research within high-containment BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories utilizing a wide range of techniques such as in vitro and in vivo infection models, flow cytometry, ELISA, western blots, and multiplex immunoassays. Our projects rely on successful partnerships with collaborators across academia and government, as well as the private sector from all over the world.
Why should I apply?
This Fellowship Offers a Unique Opportunity To Participate At The Forefront Of Infectious Disease Research At USAMRIID, The Nation's Leading Institution For Medical Biological Defense. By Joining This Program, You Will
Where will I be located?
Frederick, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
The USAMRIID 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 of being 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 provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by USAMRIID. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:
While participants 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.
The fellow will conduct research that requires the individual to obtain and hold Biological Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP) enrollment pursuant to the requirements of the Army Biological Surety Program. Individuals must maintain a current certification of enrollment in the BPRP as a condition of eligibility for continued participation. BPRP is a suitability and reliability program operated by the agency and requires the participant to submit to and satisfactorily complete suitability and reliability screening and analysis (to include federal drug screening). The participant must maintain the standards prescribed for the Army Biological Surety Program. As a condition of participation, participants in this appointment must also be approved by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice for access.
About USAMRIID
USAMRIID's reputation has been built over the years by numerous scientists and technical staff working to protect both military personnel and civilians from the threat of infectious diseases. The Institute participates in support of emerging disease investigations, working alongside colleagues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. As a reference laboratory for the Department of Defense, USAMRIID sets the standard for identification of biological agents. The Institute's workforce represents some of the top infectious disease and biological defense experts in the Nation—indeed, in the world. For more information about the USAMRIID, please visit https://usamriid.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.
Qualifications
Qualified candidates will have completed a bachelor's degree within 24 months of the appointment start date, with strong multitasking abilities, excellent communication and organization skills, and most importantly, a willingness to learn. Highly competitive applicants will be enthusiastic, team-oriented, and passionate about contributing to impactful research.
Preferred skills and experiences include basic laboratory assays (i.e. ELISA, flow cytometry, western blots, cell culture or other molecular and cellular biology methods), immunological/virological assays (i.e. neutralization assays, plaque assays, IFAs, real-time PCR, and viral propagation), and perhaps familiarity with in vivo infection models (i.e. mouse, hamster, guinea pigs).
Application Requirements
A complete application consists of:
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!
Stipend
$65,000.00 – $70,000.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Kimberly
Eligibility Requirements">4 )
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
USAMRDC-MRIID-2026-0003
How To Apply
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
Description
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellowship for recent graduates (within two years of degree completion) seeking experience in the areas of host-virus interactions, therapeutic and vaccine development, and surveillance for emerging infectious viral pathogens.
What will I be doing?
MRIID's research focuses on high-consequence viral families, including hantaviruses, nairoviruses, flaviviruses, coronaviruses, filoviruses, and paramyxoviruses. Fellows will participate in research within high-containment BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories utilizing a wide range of techniques such as in vitro and in vivo infection models, flow cytometry, ELISA, western blots, and multiplex immunoassays. Our projects rely on successful partnerships with collaborators across academia and government, as well as the private sector from all over the world.
Why should I apply?
This Fellowship Offers a Unique Opportunity To Participate At The Forefront Of Infectious Disease Research At USAMRIID, The Nation's Leading Institution For Medical Biological Defense. By Joining This Program, You Will
- Gain hands-on experience: Participate directly in high-containment BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories, utilizing cutting-edge in vitro and in vivo techniques.
- Collaborate across sectors: Engage in projects involving partnerships with government, industry, and academia, contributing to impactful research that addresses global health challenges.
- Expand your expertise: Interact with a broad research portfolio that includes therapeutics and vaccine development, pathogen surveillance, and host-virus interactions.
- Be part of a dynamic and supportive team: You will research alongside individuals who are deeply committed to advancing solutions for high-consequence viral pathogens, fostering an environment where your contributions are valued and your growth is encouraged.
Where will I be located?
Frederick, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
The USAMRIID 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 of being 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 provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by USAMRIID. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:
- Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
- Relocation Allowance
- Training and Travel Allowance
While participants 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.
The fellow will conduct research that requires the individual to obtain and hold Biological Personnel Reliability Program (BPRP) enrollment pursuant to the requirements of the Army Biological Surety Program. Individuals must maintain a current certification of enrollment in the BPRP as a condition of eligibility for continued participation. BPRP is a suitability and reliability program operated by the agency and requires the participant to submit to and satisfactorily complete suitability and reliability screening and analysis (to include federal drug screening). The participant must maintain the standards prescribed for the Army Biological Surety Program. As a condition of participation, participants in this appointment must also be approved by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice for access.
About USAMRIID
USAMRIID's reputation has been built over the years by numerous scientists and technical staff working to protect both military personnel and civilians from the threat of infectious diseases. The Institute participates in support of emerging disease investigations, working alongside colleagues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. As a reference laboratory for the Department of Defense, USAMRIID sets the standard for identification of biological agents. The Institute's workforce represents some of the top infectious disease and biological defense experts in the Nation—indeed, in the world. For more information about the USAMRIID, please visit https://usamriid.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.
Qualifications
Qualified candidates will have completed a bachelor's degree within 24 months of the appointment start date, with strong multitasking abilities, excellent communication and organization skills, and most importantly, a willingness to learn. Highly competitive applicants will be enthusiastic, team-oriented, and passionate about contributing to impactful research.
Preferred skills and experiences include basic laboratory assays (i.e. ELISA, flow cytometry, western blots, cell culture or other molecular and cellular biology methods), immunological/virological assays (i.e. neutralization assays, plaque assays, IFAs, real-time PCR, and viral propagation), and perhaps familiarity with in vivo infection models (i.e. mouse, hamster, guinea pigs).
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. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- Two Recommendations. We encourage you to contact your recommenders 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.
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!
Stipend
$65,000.00 – $70,000.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Kimberly
Eligibility Requirements">4 )
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 24 month(s).
- Discipline(s):
- Life Health and Medical Sciences (
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Salary : $65,000 - $70,000