The Opportunity:

The 711th Human Performance Wing of the Air Force Research Laboratory is launching a research effort to engineer microbial communities (the microbiome) to enhance performance of a mammalian host.

The project will involve engineering microbes to perform new functions, and assaying how these microbes alter the behavior of the animal host. Desired outcomes could include enhanced wakefulness, cognitive function, or stress resilience.

The work will unite several skill sets, including genetic engineering, synthetic biology, microbiome science, and animal behavioral studies. While it is not expected that a candidate will have experience in all of these areas, successful candidates will have doctoral-level experience in at least two of the areas, along with a desire to gain experience in the others.

The project will be a collaborative effort between AFRL and academic scientists at several leading research institutions. Successful candidates will demonstrate a willingness to function as part of a diverse team.

This position will be based in Dayton, Ohio, but we anticipate there will be opportunities for the selectee to embed in the laboratories of our academic partners when appropriate.

About 711 HPW:

The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) is a unique combination the Airman Systems Directorate (RH) and the US Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). The synergies of combining the ideas, resources and technologies of these units position the 711 HPW as a world leader in the study and advancement of human performance.

The 711 HPW accomplishes its mission through distinct but complementary mission units and an integrated staff located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH. In addition, the Wing includes about a dozen smaller operating locations within the United States and internationally.

Eligibility:

Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens

Level: Open to Postdoctoral and senior applicants

Salary is $75K, period of one year (potential for extending)

Start date: As soon as possible

Benefits of Federal Employment

–         Invigorating, technical work with no military commitment

–         Job stability and 40-hr work weeks with compensation for overtime

–         Flexible work schedules and locations

–         10 paid holidays, 13 paid sick days and 13-26 paid vacation days per year

–         Emphasis on employee wellness and work-life balance

–         Free access to physical fitness and recreational facilities and equipment

–         Discounted tickets, tours, sports/recreation equipment rentals, etc.

–         Affordable health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans

–         Federal Flexible Spending Plans for day care, elder care and non-covered health expenses

–         Thrift Savings Plan, similar to a 401(k) with up to 5% matching funds

–         Tuition assistance and opportunities for free graduate degrees and certifications

–         Federal employee retirement pension with as few as five years of service

–         12 weeks of paid parental leave for birth or adoption/fostering of a child (after 12 months)

–         For more information, please visit: http://www.usa.gov/Federal-Employees/Benefits.shtml