What are the responsibilities and job description for the WRAIR - Postdoctoral Fellow in Viral Genomics, Bioinformatics, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence position at Zintellect?
The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) is offering a postdoctoral-level fellowship in infectious disease research.
What will I be doing?
As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant you will engage in projects that expand your knowledge and research experience in infectious disease research and genomic surveillance, with emphasis on respiratory and febrile/vector-borne pathogens of importance to the Department of Defense (DoD). The experience is designed to provide you exposure to cutting-edge methods in viral evolution, high-throughput sequencing, and computational modeling, while fostering independent research skills and innovation in the application of advanced analytical approaches.
As the selected participant, you may engage in projects that explore both population-level and intra-host pathogen evolution. Research focus areas include transmission dynamics, resistance, host adaptation, disease severity, immune response, and pathogen spread. You may also explore the application of computational approaches to patient metadata and pathogen data, gaining hands-on experience in analyzing large-scale genomic datasets.
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,
- Developing new computational methods and analytical tools, with particular emphasis on machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches.
- Identifying signatures of viral adaptation, improving prediction of evolutionary trends, and integrating multiple data types for enhanced surveillance.
- Gaining advanced training in the use of bioinformatics platforms, phylogenetic and phylodynamic modeling, and modern machine learning frameworks.
- Increasing knowledge in areas that align with the WRAIR mission of advancing pathogen genomics and surveillance.
Where will I be located?
Silver Spring, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
WRAIR 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 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 provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by WRAIR. 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
About WRAIR
The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) aims to conduct biomedical research that is responsive to Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements and delivers lifesaving products including knowledge, technology and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the warfighter. WRAIR provides unique research capabilities and innovative medical solutions to a range of Force Health Protection and Readiness challenges currently facing U.S. Service Members, along with threats anticipated during future operations. These research opportunities include ongoing efforts to identify and treat traumatic brain injury as well as to understand and mitigate the deleterious effects of repeated exposures to blast. For more information about WRAIR, please visit Army Home.
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 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.
Salary : $70,000 - $80,000
