Sleep and Chronobiology Statistician Research Fellowship
The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) is offering a graduate student, post-master's or postdoctoral fellowship within the Operational Research Team (ORT) at the Sleep Research Center (SRC). The mission of the SRC is to monitor, prevent, and reverse the negative impact of sleep loss to optimize and enhance soldier performance. The goal of the SRC is to deliver strategies and technologies from clinical research studies to field settings in order to mitigate fatigue and enhance performance of soldiers and military leaders.
What will I be doing?
As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers within the ORT team with the objective to develop, test, and validate field-capable assessments and interventions to both (1) determine the influence of sleep loss and circadian misalignment on Soldier readiness and resilience in the operational environment (e.g., during training missions and deployment) and (2) select optimal strategies (e.g., caffeine, blue light, sleep hygiene, sleep banking and recovery) for enhancing Warfighter readiness.
Throughout your participation, you will have the opportunity to take part in either a population health economics study, or a proof of value study on capability prototypes (e.g. wearables) to enhance Solider readiness. In addition, you will assist in the analysis of previously collected data consisting of longitudinal medical and other data, as well as data from a proof of value on capability prototypes. The results of this analysis may be used to inform policy decisions and improve military readiness.
Why should I apply?
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Along the way, you will engage in activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to:
- Database management and data cleaning.
- Statistical analysis in support of sleep and fatigue management research efforts.
- Gaining a unique knowledge of military science, including how military scientists collect and analyze data for military-specific products.
- Increasing knowledge of various statistical programming language and statistical modeling used in various study designs.
- Compiling and evaluating data from wearable devices, adverse health outcomes, biomechanics, and performance.
Where will I be located?
Silver Spring, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research is ready to make appointments immediately. 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 or fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.
What is the appointment length?
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.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate will be currently pursuing a master's or doctoral degree and will graduate by May 31, 2022, or will have received a master's or doctoral degree within five years of the appointment start date.
Highly competitive candidates will have experience and/or skills in the following:
- Proficiency in Microsoft office programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Proficiency in statistical programs such as SPSS, SAS, or R.
- Experience with data aggregation, exploration, testing model assumptions and bias, and model comparison.
- Knowledge of survival modeling, time series analysis, cost benefit analysis, analysis of actigraphy and/or wearable data.
- Experience maintaining HIPAA compliant data practices.
- Experience with database frameworks.
Participation may involve long periods of sitting or standing at a computer.
The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).
Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
What are the benefits?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:
- Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
- Relocation Allowance
- Training and Travel Allowance
About WRAIR
The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) aims to conduct biomedical research that is responsive to U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements. WRAIR conducts basic science, applied science, and animal and human subjects research to deliver lifesaving products including knowledge, technology and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the Warfighter. Areas of focus include tropical infectious diseases and HIV, medical care on the battlefield and post-traumatic stress disorders.
About ORISE
This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do 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. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.