The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research conducts biomedical research that is responsive to Department of Defense (DoD) and United States Army requirements and delivers life-saving products including knowledge, technology and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the Warfighter. Our research focuses on identifying mitochondria-targeted neuroprotection therapeutics using preclinical experimental models of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Candidate should have a keen interest in conducting fast-paced Army directed TBI research. This position requires a basic knowledge of neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology and/or enzymology. Research experience with a knowledge of mitochondrial bioenergetics assessment techniques will be plus.

Responsibilities:

• Perform major survival surgeries for preclinical research to carry out neurobehavioral testing, drug infusions, blood draws, perfusion, euthanasia, necropsy, histopathological analysis of brain tissues and compare data across preclinical TBI models.

• Conduct in vitro biochemical and molecular assessments of blood, cerebrospinal fluid and brain samples (i.e. mitochondria, synaptosomes, proteins, enzymes, lipids, mRNA and miRNAs).

• Perform mitochondrial isolation and real-time bioenergetics/other functional assessments.

• Evaluate pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) analysis of novel neuroprotective drugs for TBI.

• Assist in designing experiments, data collection, preparing technical reports and manuscripts.

• Able to work independently and as a key team player in a collaborative research setting.

• Present research work at national scientific meetings.

   

key words

Brain, Bioenergetics, Cell Death, Cell Signaling, Concussion, Energy Metabolism, Inflammation, Metabolic Dysregulation, Mitochondria, Neuroprotection, Oxidative Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, Therapeutics

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants