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Opportunity at Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

Molecular Tools for Biosignatures Tracking

Location

Airman Systems Directorate, RHB/Medical and Operational Biosciences Group

RO# Location
13.15.15.B8531 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Advisers

name email phone
Jorge Luis Chavez Benavides jorge.chavez_benavides.2@us.af.mil 352.672.1132
Sean Harshman sean.harshman.1@us.af.mil 937-938-3788

Description

The Molecular Signatures group (711 HPW/RHBBA) is focused on identifying molecular changes in humans to create systems that sense and respond to different types of analytes with a focus on biomarkers of stress, fatigue, and cognitive performance. Our technical work integrates the selection and design of experiments to determine analytes, from small molecules to proteins within non-invasive biosources, that sense and assess Airman performance with a goal of integration into different sensor platforms. We primarily utilize high end mass spectrometers to obtain this objective. The versatility, afforded by mass spectrometry, provides the potential to create technological solutions to improve the Airman’s performance, from tracking biomarker changes in biofluids during in-the-field activities to neurochemicals tracking in the brain and peripheral tissue. We combined experimental, statistical, and modelling tools to understand and improve discovery applications in different environments.

References

Harshman SW, et al: "Investigation of an Individual with Background Levels of Exhaled Isoprene: A Case Study". J. Breath Res. 2023;17(2):027101.

Harshman SW, et al: "Rate Normalization for Sweat Metabolomic Biomarker Discovery". Talanta 2021;223(1):121797.

Harshman SW, et al: "The Identification of Hypoxia Biomarkers from Exhaled Breath under Normobaric Conditions". J. Breath Res. 2015;9(4):047103.

Keywords:
Human performance; Biomarkers; Biosignatures; Mass Spectrometry; Proteins; Lipids; Metabolites; Nucleic acids

Eligibility

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens
Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants

Stipend

Base Stipend Travel Allotment Supplementation
$76,542.00 $4,000.00

$3,000 Supplement for Doctorates in Engineering & Computer Science

Experience Supplement:
Postdoctoral and Senior Associates will receive an appropriately higher stipend based on the number of years of experience past their PhD.

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