Laboratory Science Project at the Army Public Health Center

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
APHC-2020-0017
How to Apply

Components of the online application are as follows:

Submitted documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system.

If you have questions, send an email to ARMY-PHC@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Description

The U. S. Army Public Health Center (APHC) mission is to enhance Army readiness by identifying and assessing current and emerging health threats, developing and communicating public health solutions, and assuring the quality and effectiveness of the Army's Public Health Enterprise. APHC’s vision is to be a world-class provider of public health services across the Army and DOD. The Methods Development Branch (MDB), Laboratory Sciences, engages in developing, evaluating, and optimizing a broad range of analytical methodologies and technologies as applicable to environmental public health. The laboratory consists of state of the art equipment that enables analytical activities that involve microbiology, real-time PCR, and Next-Generation Sequencing. 

This research opportunity focuses on drinking water testing and water microbiology. The selected participant will gain knowledge in microbiology and hands-on experience in testing drinking water samples for the presence of coliforms, E.coli, and fecal microbes. This internship provides learning and training opportunities in research, data collection, and analysis of results as well as documentation in the laboratory notebook. Further, the participant will gain knowledge and develop an understanding of EPA approved methodologies while having opportunities in developing new tests for other microbes to expand hands-on analytical skills and capabilities. Additional experience in recording, reporting the results in electronic databases, laboratory maintenance and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) analysis methods in wastewater samples by Real-Time PCR and other molecular biology tools.

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.

Participant Benefits

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by APHC. Stipends are typically based on the 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

Nature of Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

Additional Information

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with DOD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.

Qualifications

Ideal candidate is expected to have high school diploma with 1-2 years of laboratory experience (and pursuing a degree) or a bachelor’s degree.

Preferred knowledge and skills are as follows:

  • Knowledge of data entry in LIMS systems

  • Experience with sample receiving, sample logging and following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

  • Exposure to GLP and experience and drinking water testing methodologies

  • Good communication and reporting skills
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: High School Diploma/GED, Associate's Degree, or Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (12 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
    • Other Non-Science & Engineering (5 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (28 )
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