Neurotoxicology Research Internship
The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) is the Department of Defense's lead laboratory for medical chemical defense research. As a subordinate element of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC), the institute conducts research for development of medical countermeasures to treat exposure to various chemical threat agents for protection of soldiers and civilians. Scientific disciplines at USAMRICD include, but are not limited to, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, neuroscience, toxicology, physiology, psychology, and immunology. Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USAMRICD.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the research participant will be involved with projects sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) CounterACT program. The projects include in vivo pharmacology and toxicology experiments to determine basic mechanisms of action as well as applied studies in evaluating and developing pre-treatment/treatment regimes and antidotes for chemical agent (e.g., nerve agents) exposures. The participants experiences will include:
- Participate and assist in research experiments involving the surgical preparation of small animals for electroencephalographic (EEG) recording, chronic blood sampling and/or cannulation for in vivo drug infusions.
- Collect and prepare samples.
- Perform behavioral tests of animal subjects and learn to use state-of-the-art automated imaging programs for behavioral assessment.
- Prepare routine drug solutions and prepare the laboratory for upcoming experiments and maintain laboratory in an orderly fashion.
- Perform routine analysis of EEG data.
- Prepare detailed methods and results sections of experiments for publication in scientific journals or presentation to scientific societies.
- Maintain laboratory chemicals and supplies.
- Conduct literature searches when provided keywords from mentor.
- Assist with development of slides, graphs, PowerPoint, posters, and other presentations.
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.
Participant Benefits
Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by MRICD. Other benefits may include the following:
- Health Insurance Supplement. Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE
- Training and Travel Allowance
Nature of Appointment
The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.
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.