Research Opportunity in Chemical Medical Countermeasures

A complete application package consists of:

• An application
• Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.  Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.  Proof must be sent to ORISE directly from the academic institution including graduation date and degree awarded.  All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation.  Click Here (http://orise.orau.gov/sepreview/transcripts.html) for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV
• Two references – While two references are requested, applications will be considered without reference information.  It is preferred that a complete application package contains a minimum of one reference.

If you have questions, send an email to BARDA@orau.org.  Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

A research opportunity is available in the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).  BARDA provides an integrated, systematic approach to the advanced research and development of medical countermeasures for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents that threaten the U.S. civilian population.

The Chemical Threats (CHEM) program at BARDA is focused on identifying medical countermeasures  (MCMs) that can be used in chemical mass casualty events and the development of animal models as tools for product development. The participant will assist with research pertaining to the CHEM animal model development effort.  Main activities will include contributing to discussions on study design for animal models, assisting in data analyses, and participating in drafting manuscripts to report findings and the translational aspects of chemical exposure between various models.  A critical component of this research will be developing a comprehensive literature search on the translational aspects of exposure to priority chemicals and potential treatments between species.  The goal of this project is to establish a searchable and categorized database of articles. The scope may be limited if necessary to the CHEM program's highest priority: an understanding of the health effects of exposure to pulmonary agents and the availability and translatability of animal models for those effects. 

Other training opportunities may include providing administrative and technical support for CHEM projects, assisting in the development of relevant policy documents, interacting with animal model developers, participation in team communications with FDA, drug developers, CROs, and NIH, all to ensure progress on the mission of the CHEM program. 

Areas of interest including scope are:

1. Literature research:  perform a comprehensive literature search on the translational aspects of exposure to priority chemicals and potential treatments between species and establish a searchable and categorized database with the articles. The scope can be limited if necessary to our highest priority: an understanding of the health effects of exposure to pulmonary agents and the availability and translatability of animal models for those effects;
2. Administrative support for CHEM threat animal model development:  Anticipated activities to support this research include several non-clinical task orders and ARD contracts, including participation in Project Coordination Team (PCT) meetings to provide input for animal model study design.  Participation in team communications with FDA, sponsors, CRO, and NIH is required to ensure progress; and,
3. Partner with BARDA project officers to develop a manuscript on the translational aspects of chemical exposure between species.  Additionally, this participant will collaborate with the animal model team to refine the model, analyze data, and use the information to identify new MCM targets.

Travel for presentations at conferences/meetings may be required.  The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.  Health insurance will be provided. The appointment is full-time at HHS in the Washington, D.C. area. Participants do not become employees of HHS or the program administrator, and there are no fringe benefits paid.

Research opportunities are full-time, for one year, and may be renewed for up to one additional year upon recommendation of BARDA.  Appointments are contingent on the availability of funds.  The selected applicant will receive a stipend as support for their living and other expenses during this appointment. Stipend rates are determined by BARDA officials, and are based on the applicant’s academic and professional background. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance.  Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, HHS, BARDA, 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 BARDA, this position requires a pre-appointment check and a full background investigation.

The incumbent should have or be pursuing a Masters degree or Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, toxicology, or related biological science.  A strong background in environmental and pulmonary/inhalational toxicology is preferred.

Preference will be given to incumbents with experience in environmental and pulmonary/inhalational toxicology. Strong oral and written skills will be needed. Critical thinking, data analysis, and protocol/study design will be necessary skills.  Independence, self motivation, and the ability to take initiative would be considered favorable.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (3 )
  • Engineering (1 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (10 )