LOCAL

Ayano Hodouchi

Out of work or simply looking for something new? A local medical institute has a job opening which is truly out of this world.

The Russian Institute of Medical-Biological Problems (IMBP) is looking for volunteers to participate in the third step of the Russian experiment "Mars-500", which simulates an isolated 520-day flight to the Red Planet.

"The basic requirements are as follows: age 25 to 50, higher education and a knowledge of Russian and English at a high enough level to ensure professional and social interaction," the IMBP said in an announcement.

Regarding the professional background of the candidates, doctors (medical practitioners proficient in emergency care, doctor-researchers with skills in clinical laboratory diagnosis) and engineers (specialists of life-support systems, computer-scientists and mechanics) are welcome.

IMBP said that special consideration will be given to retired Russian army officers. Those wishing to participate in the experiment as test volunteers should send in a questionnaire to the IMBP, including passport data, education and employment information, marital status, any bad habits and contact information.

Those chosen based on the questionnaires will be invited to a medical and psychological screening to be conducted by a medical review committee in two stages. In the first stage, the candidates will be obliged to submit a comprehensive medical record issued within a month.

The international project simulating an on-earth flight to Mars will take place at the IBMP, with the participation of the European Space Agency.

In July, the 105-day experiment in the "Mars-500" project involving six people - four Russians, a Frenchman and a German - came to an end.

Applications should be sent to pressimbp@gmail.com (with cc to class@imbp.ru) with the title «Участие в проекте "Марс-500» ("Participation in the Mars-500 project").