Defense Centers for Public Health: Molecular Biology/Microbiology Surveillance Methods Internship
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
The Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen (DCPH-A) located in Edgewood, Maryland is offering undergraduate and graduate internships for current and recently graduated students. DCPH-A's 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.
What will I be doing and Why should I apply?
As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to assist in the developing and performance of microbiological testing such as bacterial contamination (e.g. Coliform and E. coli) and Cryptosporidium/Giardia in water samples.
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Along the way, you will engage in activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to:
- Gain experience in establishing surveillance methods to detect existing and emergent diseases in wastewater and other environmental matrices.
- Apply detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 methods using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) adaptation processes for other pathogenic microbes/viruses, including antimicrobial resistant bacteria in wastewater.
- Engage in ongoing and future projects include identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants, incorporation of digital PCR, and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and accompanying analysis. Team members will provide guidance and as training as needed.
Where will I be located?
Edgewood, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
DCPH-A is ready to make appointments immediately. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internships or fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.
What is the appointment length?
Appointments are initially for one year with the option to extend the appointment for up to four additional years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.
What are the benefits?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by DCPH-A. Stipends are typically based on a 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
About DCPH-A
The Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen's 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. Their vision is to be a world-class provider of public health services across the Army and DOD. For more information about the DCPH-A, please visit https://phc.amedd.army.mil.
About ORISE
This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.
The qualified candidate will be currently pursuing or have completed an undergraduate or graduate level degree in a related STEM field. U.S. military veterans who have been honorably discharged (or who have been medically discharged because of a service-connected disability) and who received a relevant degree within ten years of the desired start date are also eligible.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- Experience in microbial testing
- An aptitude and desire to quickly learn new concepts in molecular biology
- A willingness to participate in a diverse scientific environment and participate in team projects
Application Requirements
A complete application consists of:
- Zintellect Profile
- Educational and Employment History
- Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
- Resume (PDF)
- Transcripts/Academic Records - For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- One Recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one recommendation
is submitted. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.
If you have questions, send an email to army-phc@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity APHC-2022-0006 in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing. Please do not send application materials to the email address above.
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- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
- Discipline(s):
- Age: Must be 18 years of age
- Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
ORISE GO
The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!
