BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Johns Hopkins biotechnology students who specialize in biodefense can earn a stint at Fort Detrick.

The master’s-level program is part of a five-year agreement between Johns Hopkins’ Advanced Biotechnology Studies program and the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, or USAMRIID, at Fort Detrick. Up to five graduate students will be employed under the Army’s Student Career Experience Program and will be eligible for Army tuition reimbursement.

“It’s a good way to build new talent and get them interested in this field,” said USAMRIID spokeswoman Caree Vander-Linden. “There’s still relatively few places you can work with some of these diseases.”

Grounded in biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology, Hopkins’ program allows students to delve into pure science, applied science, lab science, regulatory affairs and biotechnology enterprise. Additional concentrations in biodefense and molecular targets and drug discovery require some on-site instruction like that offered by Fort Detrick.

Hopkins officials say they are continually looking for real-world experience to enhance the training their students receive.

“This is an invaluable cooperative effort that will significantly enhance the educational opportunities of our biodefense students,” said Richard McCarty, chairman of Hopkins’ Advanced Biotechnology Studies. “We hope it will lead to future interactions and joint scientific research between our respective faculty and scientists.”

Fort Detrick’s USAMRIID is the lead medical research laboratory for the U.S. Biological Defense Research Program. USAMRIID performs basic and applied research on vaccines, drugs and tests to protect soldiers in the field, but also contributes to civilian medicine.

“USAMRIID is very excited about sponsoring these master’s students and offering them the opportunity to work at USAMRIID on vaccines and therapeutics against extremely interesting pathogens,” USAMRIID science director Peter Hobart said in a statement.

khille@baltimoreexaminer.com