Odyssey Systems has an exciting new opportunity for a Research Associate III supporting the Brain Trauma Neuroprotection Department at WRAIR.  The goals of this branch are to develop and transition knowledge and materiel solutions to improve survival and recovery from combat-related neurologic injury including mild, moderate, and severe traumaticA brain injury (TBI) across the spectrum of acute neurocritical care, long term recovery, chronic neurodegenerative sequela (e.g., CTE/Parkinson's), and spinal cord injury. Research is aimed at methods to diagnose the spectrum of TBI; including assays of circulating biomarkers, use of imaging and real-time electroencephalography (EEG) technologies, and performance of functional neurologic assessments. Additionally, research in this branch focuses on therapeutic approaches such as pharmacologic (novel druA and drug combinations) and cellular (stem and stromal cells) therapies, as well as the manipulation of physical conditions (brain cooling and intracranial pressure) to preserve neurologic tissue and function following trauma. Research also specializes in "polytrauma", accounting for the impact of hemorrhagic shock and failure to oxygenate and/or ventilate on the progression of brain injury. The research will provide insight leading to improvements in clinical practice guidelines to optimize resuscitation approaches for patients with TBI (i.e., approaches to optimize cerebral perfusion and brain salvage).

Duties include, but not limited to: 

• Perform traumatic brain injury and neuroprotection research activities in a laboratory environment, as well as a variety of tasks as necessary, in support of the Brain Trauma, Neuroprotection Branch for the Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience.
• Assist with research on multiple projects including PBBI, PCI, Polytrauma and Mitochondria studies.
• Prepare liver tissues for GSSG/GSH assay.
• Test samples for cytochrome oxidase activity.
• Measure RNA, miRNA and protein TBI biomarkers in brain tissue and biofluids utilizing techniques including micro array, quantitative PCR, western blot and ELISA.
• Perfuse tissues and collect data for histological study.
• Measure animal behavior in the Morris water maze and perform rotarod training and testing.
• Assist with receipt and inspection of raw materials and ordering and stocking of materials and equipment.
• Record observations and measurements and report results.
• Clean, disinfect, and maintain cleanrooms and equipment.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Citizenship: Must be a US citizen or Green Card holder with U.S. residency for the last 3 out of 5 years

Clearance: Ability to obtain NACI

Education: B.S. in the Biological Sciences, preference for Neurology or Neurobiology

Years of Experience: Minimum of 10 years of research experience in the field or in a related area.

Certifications: N/A

Preferred Qualifications

Clearance: NACI

Education: M.S. in the Biological Sciences, preference for Neurology or Neurobiology

Years of experience: Minimum of 15 years of research experience in the field or in a related area.

Certifications: LATG

Technical Skills

• Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a related field.
• Ability to operate research equipment requiring manual dexterity.
• Ability to handle research animals, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and work in a Biosafety Level (BSL) 2 laboratory.
• Ability to utilize office automation equipment, including computers, photocopiers, telephones, and telefax machines.

Interpersonal Skills

• Teamwork, Communication, Problem-Solving, Reliability, Attention to Detail, Multitasking, Leadership.

Additional Information

Location: Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Travel: None

Remote, Onsite, or Hybrid: Onsite

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