Low Back Pain Research Fellowship (Remote-participation Optional)
Reference Code
USAMRDC-RIEM-2023-0015
Description
USARIEM is internationally recognized as the DoD's premier Warfighter health and performance research laboratory and focuses on environmental medicine, physiology, physical and cognitive performance, and nutrition research.
What will I be doing?
This research project will investigate military aircrew with low back pain, causing a helicopter pilot shortage and threatening force readiness. The fellow will research musculoskeletal and sensorimotor deficits; individuals with chronic LBP often feel pain in the lower back region and exhibit hypersensitivity to light, touch, heat/cold, etc., indicating the brain structures dysfunction or "Central Sensitization: CS" and explore potential holistic intervention strategies.
Why should I apply?
Under the guidance of a mentor, the fellow will investigate sensorimotor characteristics (balance & proprioception), musculoskeletal characteristics (strength/flexibility), self-reported surveys on CS and other mental/emotional wellness (fear, anxiety, stress, and depression) in aircrew with and without low back pain. This fellowship will provide hands-on in-service to become familiar/proficient with laboratory testing procedures and data collection, regulatory document preparation, and data dissemination/report/manuscript writing/conference presentation. During this fellowship, the mentor will also focus and assist the fellow in developing and planning for future studies and career goals as it relates to their individual interest.
Where will I be located?
Remote participation is optional. On-site training at USARIEM (Natick, MA) for two weeks for orientation and hands-on training. Required to travel to Fort Campbell, KY, for data collection (~10-20%).
What is the anticipated start date?
This is a full-time, 12-month appointment anticipated to begin as soon as possible; exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Shorter-term appointment is possible if desired.
Appointment Length
Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and participant availability.
What are the benefits?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by the Department of Defense (DoD). 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
Nature of Appointment
The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.
About USARIEM
The U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), in Natick, Massachusetts, is 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.
Fort Campbell, KY is a United States Army installation located astride the Kentucky-Tennessee border between Hopkinsville, KY and Clarksville, TN (post address is in KY). Fort Campbell is home to the 101st Airborne Division and the 106th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
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.
The U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) in Natick, Massachusetts, is an internationally recognized center of excellence for Warfighter health and performance science and its applications. The Institute is a world-class environmental medicine, physiology, and nutrition laboratory. Appointments will be awarded for one year and will be offered through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) and are potentially renewable for up to 4 years.
Qualifications
Highly competitive applicants will have experience and/or skills in the following:
- A candidate with a minimum of a master's or doctoral degree in relevant fields (e.g. kinesiology, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation, exercise physiology, biomechanics, etc.) is required.
- Experience in military human performance / musculoskeletal injury prevention research is preferred.
- Holistic Health and Fitness and body-mind exercises (yoga, meditation, breathing, etc.) are preferred.
Please note that all candidates are required to pass a basic security clearance to obtain a common access card (the process will begin prior to the start of the appointment).
Application Requirements
A complete application consists of the following:
- Zintellect Profile
- Educational and Employment History
- CV and Cover Letter describing achievements, research interests, career goals, reason of interest, and suitability for this appointment (maximum two pages) - please upload to the resume section on the application
- 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
If you have questions, send an email to orise-army-mrdc-riem@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity USAMRDC-RIEM-2023-0015 in the email's subject line. 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.
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!
Eligibility Requirements