The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) is a premier research institution dedicated to soldier and world health. WRAIR aims to conduct biomedical research that is responsive to the Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements and delivers lifesaving products, including knowledge, technology, and medical material that sustain the warfighter's combat effectiveness. WRAIR also conducts military psychiatry and neuroscience research, from basic studies to advanced development. 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. 

The mission of the WRAIR Sleep Research Center (SRC) is to monitor, prevent, and reverse the negative impact of sleep loss to optimize and enhance soldier performance. The goal of the SRC is to deliver strategies and technologies from clinical research studies to field settings in order to mitigate fatigue and enhance performance of soldiers and military leaders. The mission of the Operational Research Team (ORT) is to develop, test, and validate field-capable assessments and interventions.

As an NRC Fellow at WRAIR, you will take part in one of two projects: a population health economics study or a proof of value study on capability prototypes (e.g., wearables) to enhance Soldier readiness. Both projects involve data management and cleaning, and statistical analyses in support of sleep and fatigue management research efforts. Ideal participants for the population health study will have a working knowledge of longitudinal health data, and possibly cost-benefit analyses. Ideal participants for the proof of value study will have a working knowledge of wearables and mobile technology, time series analyses, and/or electronic survey platforms for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. They will assist in the analysis of previously collected data consisting of: 1) longitudinal medical and other data, or 2) data from a proof of value on capability prototypes (e.g., wearables) to enhance Soldier readiness. The results may be used to inform policy decisions and improve military readiness.

While gaining a unique knowledge of military science, the candidate will also learn how military scientists collect and analyze data for military-specific products. This opportunity will allow the participant to display knowledge and understanding of various statistical programming language and statistical modeling used in various study designs. As this project will focus on sleep, behavioral health, and performance outcomes, the candidate will also increase his/her knowledge in compiling and evaluating data from wearable devices, adverse health outcomes, biomechanics, and performance.

Minimum requirements include one-year full time work experience in behavior, psychology, public health, or related research. Candidates should also possess excellent communication, organization, and prioritization skills. Candidates must be able to work both independently and in a team setting.

Required skillsets include 1) proficiency in Microsoft office programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, 2) proficiency in statistical programs such as SPSS, SAS, or R, and 3) experience with data aggregation, exploration, testing model assumptions and bias, and model comparison. Work may involve long periods of sitting or standing at a computer.

Preferred skillsets include 1) knowledge of survival modeling, time series analysis, cost-benefit analysis, analysis of actigraphy and/or wearable data; 2) experience with maintaining HIPAA compliant data practices, and 3) experience with database frameworks.

This position is open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants including MDs or PhDs (statistics, biostatistics, public health, data science, biomedical engineering) with strong analysis and programming experience. PhD candidates approved to defend will also be considered.

Literature References:

Wickwire EM, Vadlamani A, Tom SE, Johnson AM, Scharf SM, Albrecht JS. Economic aspects of insomnia medication treatment among Medicare beneficiaries. Sleep. 2020 Jan 13;43(1):zsz192. doi: 10.1093/sleep/zsz192. PMID: 31418027; PMCID: PMC6955645. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31418027/

Lurie, Philip M. Comparing the costs of military treatment facilities with private sector care. INSTITUTE FOR DEFENSE ANALYSES ALEXANDRIA VA ALEXANDRIA, 2016. https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/resrep22767.6.pdf

key words

Population Health, Statistics, Sleep, Mobile Technology, Time Series Analyses, Longitudinal Data, Cost-benefit Analyses, Prototypes, Biomechanics, Epidemiology

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants