Musculoskeletal Injury and Human Performance Research Intern - Master's Degree

The U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) is offering a master's-level internship at the Natick, Massachusetts, facility. The Military Performance Division of USARIEM is focused on research to optimize Warfighter performance and operational effectiveness, and prevent or mitigate performance decrements due to physical or mental overload, nutritional deficits, environmental and occupational hazards, or musculoskeletal injury.

As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to assist in Military Performance Division research by conducting biochemical analyses in USARIEM's Central Laboratory. Two major research efforts in the division include studying the impact of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on bone and muscle adaptation to exercise, and a large, multi-site study, Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (ARIEM) Reduction in Musculoskeletal Injury (ARMI) study, focused on reducing musculoskeletal injuries in the military. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will help our team support the primary objective to identify physiological mechanisms of musculoskeletal injury in military populations. 

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. You will have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the research processes including data collection, laboratory analysis, daily iteration with research volunteers, data reduction, literature review and potentially project coordination with respect to ongoing lines of research. 

The USARIEM is ready to make appointments effective July 1, 2021. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

This appointment is a 12-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.

You will receive a stipend to be determined by USARIEM. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

You will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD, or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

The U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) conducts biomedical research to improve and sustain Warfighter health and performance under all conditions. USARIEM was established in 1961 as a research laboratory under the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (now USAMRMC). USARIEM is internationally recognized as the DoD’s premier laboratory for Warfighter health and performance research and focuses on environmental medicine, physiology, physical and cognitive performance, and nutrition research. Military guidance has been published for operations in heat, cold and high-altitude environments and nutrition for health and performance.

The Institute is organized into five divisions: Biophysics and Biomedical Modeling, Military Nutrition, Military Performance, Thermal and Mountain Medicine, and Research Support. By leveraging its unique capabilities and facilities with industry, academia, and the government, USARIEM produces a variety of important products, including performance optimization doctrine, preventive medicine and planning doctrine, material development support, physiological monitoring strategies and predictive algorithms, and Health Hazard Assessments.  For more information about the USARIEM, please visit https://www.usariem.army.mil/.

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences is required for participation; master's degree is preferred. Good laboratory skills are a must. Experience conducting basic biochemical assays such as enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), colorimetric reactions, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and basic cell culture are required. Knowledge of biological sample processing (serum, plasma, urine) procedures and biosafety precautions are needed for this opportunity. Phlebotomy experience is a plus. Good computer skills and experience with word, excel, and statistical knowledge are necessary. Experience conducting human performance research or degree in exercise science or related field will be considered. Periodic travel to field locations for data collection will be required.