Exercise Science Researcher - Air Force Research Laboratory

Reference Code

AFRL-711HPW-2023-0015

Description

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is offering an internship in the Signature Tracking for Optimized Nutrition and Tracking (STRONG) lab at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The STRONG lab is the exercise-science relevant research arm of the Human Performance Wing / Air and Space Biosciences Directorate at AFRL. Projects are based in the exercise sciences and connect to a wide range of disciplines and collaborators across government labs, academia, industry, and military operators in order to generate the most innovative and effective solutions.

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to enhance your skills in exercise sciences, specifically in Real-time Health Performance Monitoring. There are several systems that have been proposed to influence performance, and the U.S. Air Force is interested in optimizing these systems among various operational units.

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. You may perform data collection and analysis in any of the following categories of study:

• Wearable devices to track biometrics and other performance and health markers have been suggested and warrant further study/field testing.
• Force plates measure neuromuscular performance on tasks such as vertical jump, isometric mid-thigh pull, and balance.
• Movement assessment tools propose various connections between movement patterns, operational performance, and injury risk. Running assessments: Motion capture via various technologies to assess 3-D run and/or march with load and effective ways to introduce this technology and maximize benefits for operational units.
• Cognition and decision-making are influenced by factors such as aerobic capacity and will be further analyzed in future studies.
• Spine assessment: low back and cervical spine continue to be critical areas of health/fitness in order for operators and aircrew to operate safely and effectively and will be evaluated in various strategies.
• Utilizing attributes identified among Airmen by the aforementioned and other resources helps to further inform effective training. Solutions to provide optimal training strategies for Airmen continue to develop to enhance readiness and performance optimization.

Where will I be located? Dayton, Ohio

What is the anticipated start date?

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 appointment 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 benefits? 

You will receive a stipend to be determined by AFRL. 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 AFRL

The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW), headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is the first human-centric warfare wing to consolidate human performance research, education, and consultation under a single organization. Established under the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the 711 HPW is comprised of the Airman Systems Directorate (RH) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). For more information about the Air Force Research Laboratory, 711 Human Performance Wing, Airman Systems Directorate, Airman Biosciences Division, please visit https://afresearchlab.com/.

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 have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or should currently be pursing that degree with an expected graduation date of August 31, 2025. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:

• CSCS
• Exercise-science working with human population
• Biometrics, exercise testing, or factors of human performance
• Experience with military population 
• Good self-efficacy and ability to adapt to a variety of projects/challenges as they arise
• Good technical writing skills and prior experience with publication of peer-reviewed journal
• Various data analytics, statistical software, internet applications
• Ability to communicate well with other exercise professionals

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. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) 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 AIRFORCE@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [AFRL-711HPW-2023-0015] 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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Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 8/31/2025 11:59:00 PM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )