USAMRICD Nerve Agent Countermeasure Evaluation

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, this Internship will involve participating in a collaborative effort between the USAMRICD Medical Diagnostics Research Program and the Improved Nerve Agent Treatment System Early Development Pipeline. The incumbent may be involved in a variety of projects including analytical chemistry and its application to the development, validation and utilization of assays specifically relevant to detection of medical countermeasures in biological matrices (blood, plasma, urine, etc.), the use of biochemical techniques to evaluate novel small molecules for the reversal of acetylcholinesterase inhibition by organophosphorus nerve agents, as well as the testing of drug efficacy in genetically modified mice that are bred onsite at the institute. Research will involve developing and optimizing sample preparation processes such as liquid-liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, and solid phase micro extraction from various matrices such as blood/plasma/and or urine. The incumbent will also develop and validate quantitative assays utilizing gas chromatography (GC) or liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometric techniques. Additionally, in the course of these studies, the intern may become familiar with standard mouse breeding practices, participate in animal experiments utilizing genetically modified mice, as well as learn a variety of in vitro techniques. The intern may also have the opportunity to learn FDA Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) guidelines and participate in GLP or Animal Rule Qualifying (ARQ) studies while participating at the institute.

Typical experiments may involve:

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.

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by MRICD. Other benefits may include the following:

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.