Molecular and Cellular Biology for the Development of Novel Antibacterials
Description
The sponsoring research facility for this fellowship is the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, MD. The opportunity will be carried out in both Centers (Infectious Disease Research and Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience) under the mentorship of the director for science education. See www.wrair.army.mil for more information. Opportunities are available in the Wound Infections Department (WID) at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). WID's mission is to combat wound infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. The team of WID scientists conducts basic science and translational research in the areas of bacterial pathogenesis and novel therapeutics. The ORISE participants will significantly contribute to ongoing efforts involving the development of new antibacterials being developed against Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
This research opportunity and training will allow the participant to garner many experiences with in vitro assays that evaluate antibacterials. The participant will learn the next progressive steps in therapeutic development. These steps will include in vivo and animal modeling/translational science, which gives the applicant exposure to the crucial pre-clinical evaluations that are required for any drug development.
Our goal is to help the participant prepare for the next step, whether that be a PhD program, DVM, MD, or something completely different. This educational opportunity and area of science is invaluable as it is highly desired by both industry and government. This experience will serve the participant in their career development, gaining valuable networking opportunities and knowledge to become an asset to any company or non-profit institute in this field. Our clinical laboratory training will help the participant succeed in their future endeavors. This research opportunity will also provide a well-rounded laboratory education that will encompass an understanding of the problems and mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance, and learning the methods to develop therapeutics to combat this global problem.
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 WRAIR. Stipends are typically based on the 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
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.
Qualifications
Educational Background and skills considered favorable:
- Bachelor's Degree (with minimum of 1-2 years of laboratory experience) in microbiology, biology, or other related scientific field. Ideally, candidates will have a better than 3.0 GPA in science classes.
- Training or experience in basic microbiology techniques (e.g., aseptic technique, bacterial culture) and experience in data recording and keeping good records is required.
- Training or experience in clinical microbiology techniques is desired (e.g. MIC, time-kill, bacterial growth assays), in basic molecular and immunology techniques (i.e. ELISA, PCR, nucleic acid extraction, gel electrophoresis), with ESKAPE pathogens, and willingness to handle small rodents is desired.