WRAIR-W Psychological Health and Military Readiness Research Fellowship

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research – West (WRAIR-W) located in Tacoma, Washington is offering a bachelor's or master's research fellowship in clinical psychology, cognitive science, social psychology, or other eligible discipline. The WRAIR-W team is strategically co-located with the Madigan Army Medical Center (MAMC) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). The mission of WRAIR-W is to conduct empirical and translational research that delivers real-world, community-supported solutions to support prevention missions and improving the holistic well-being of U.S. Service Members. Applicants to this opportunity should have an interest in substance use, posttraumatic and/or operational stress, suicidality, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML).

What will I be doing and why should I apply?

As the selected candidate, you will engage with experienced researchers focused on implementing rigorous and collaborative psychological health research portfolios. Current prevention and intervention projects are focused on addictive behaviors such as substance abuse, occupational stress, posttraumatic stress and suicidality, while actively improving psychological readiness and overall behavioral health.  This is a hands-on opportunity to learn how translational research impacts the military community. 

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:

• Conducting translational research focused on bridging the gap between empirical science and real-world application, transforming raw data into actionable solutions that maximize health and performance among Service Members.
• Gaining hands-on experience with rigorous data collection to include neuropsychological assessments, physiological tracking, and self-report methodologies of military personnel.
• Learning how randomized controlled trials evaluating psychological and behavioral health interventions and/or programs are created and implemented.  
• Developing skills in electronic and in-person data capture, electronic medical records (eMR), data cleaning, data management, and statistical analysis using Excel, SPSS, and R.
• Gaining experience is scientific writing and research communication for academic and military audiences.

Where will I be located?

Tacoma, Washington

What is the anticipated start date?

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 fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length? 

This is a twelve-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.

What are the provisions? 

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 provisions may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement. Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE.
• Training and Travel Allowance
• Relocation 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. For more information about the WRAIR, please visit www.wrair.army.mil.

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 will possess or is currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in clinical psychology, neuroscience, nursing, public health or other eligible discipline. Degree must be within five years of application or by October 31, 2026.

Preferred skills:

• Experience with data collection, electronic data management (e.g., Qualtrics), data analysis/statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R)
• Strong oral/written communication skills

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 - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. 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-2026-0008] 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.

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