Science Communications Fellowship

The Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Army Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) located in Silver Spring, Maryland is offering a post-bachelor’s fellowship in Science Communications. WRAIR enables infectious disease and brain health threat research by providing valuable scientific research support and integrated data and insights on ongoing scientific research efforts.

What will I be doing and why should I apply?

As the selected candidate, you will participate in science communications and gain valuable skills and experience with strategic communication, digital media, management, and public affairs. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will have the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge related to navigating science communications in a large government research institute and learn specific communication strategies that enable the success of WRAIR’s research mission and projects. As the selected candidate, you have the opportunity to:

• Review and edit scientific publications
• Translate complex scientific data into accessible information products
• Gain skills interviewing WRAIR scientists and writing articles that highlight the infectious disease and brain health research being conducted at WRAIR.
• Develop and implement social media and digital communication strategies to enhance WRAIR’s public profile and engagement
• Learn how to update the institute’s front-facing website, including design improvements
• Represent the organization at major conferences
• Build relationships with current and potential collaborators.
• Design, develop, and produce multimedia research products under the guidance of scientists and science educators using a variety of computer software programs, equipment, and tools.
• Collaborate with scientists to create multimedia products that aid in WRAIR’s key stakeholders’ understanding of the institute’s science focuses, as well as supporting STEM education and communication efforts.
• Gain applied experience with the planning, preparation, and use of photographs, illustrations, drawings, charts, diagrams, maps, slides, video, overlays, and other technology for use in scientific research products.

Where will I be located?

Silver Spring, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

The WRAIR 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.

Appointment Length

This appointment is a twelve-month, 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.

What are the benefits? 

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by WRAIR. Stipends are typically based on the 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 Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements and delivers lifesaving products including knowledge, technology and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the warfighter. WRAIR provides unique research capabilities and innovative medical solutions to a range of Force Health Protection and Readiness challenges currently facing U.S. Service Members, along with threats anticipated during future operations. See www.wrair.army.mil for more information.

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.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate is a U.S. Citizen who will have earned at least a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with at least one to two years of professional experience to support their application. As a science communications fellow, you should have an interest in applying your STEM background to gain new knowledge and experience through participation in scientific communications efforts.

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

Zintellect Profile
Educational and Employment History
Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
Resume (PDF)
Transcripts/Academic Records – 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. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
One Recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

If you have questions, send an email to ARMY-MRMC@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [MRDC-WRAIR-2024-0009] in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing.  Please do not send application materials to the email address above.

Point of Contact: Brittany

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Bachelor’s Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (1 )
• Other Non-Science & Engineering (1 )
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).