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The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering post graduate internships or fellowships at The Defense Health Agency's Defense Centers for Public Health – Aberdeen.

What will I be doing?

The Defense Health Agency's Defense Centers for Public Health – Aberdeen (DCPH-A), Environmental Health Sciences and Engineering Directorate, Environmental Health Engineering Division has an outstanding opportunity for recent graduates in engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental sciences or other eligible STEM major who is interested in participating in a “Holistic Evaluation of Field Water Surveillance Across the Department of Defense (DoD)."  With the DoD shifting focus to future Large Scale Combat Operations with near peer adversaries, there is a need to assess current and future processes and capabilities to ensure all levels of Preventive Medicine can effectively execute their medical oversight mission. As an ORISE participant, you will develop experience and further your knowledge on field water surveillance and apply that knowledge to guide recommendations for improved processes both internal and external to DCPH-A, and to evaluate changes to the current medical equipment set.  

Why should I apply?

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,

• Gaining knowledge with current field water oversight doctrine, the field water medical equipment set, and advanced water testing procedures
• Using sound engineering and risk assessment techniques to assess deployment field water sample data, identify health risks, and recommend mitigation strategies to protect Warfighter health
• Conducting market research on commercial off-the-shelf analytical instruments applicable to the field water mission.
• Holistically reviewing the field water oversight process for improvements, document what is learned, and recommend changes and doctrine updates.
• Understanding the testing and evaluation of materiel results against requirements, including conducting water sampling to document system performance
• Collaborating with scientists and engineers across Defense Health Agency (DHA), DoD Services, industry, and academia in support of improving the safety and oversight of field water supplies

Interested candidates should be seeking to:

• Having a direct impact on the health and safety of deployed Warfighters
• Expanding your knowledge of the DoD acquisition process by supporting research, development, testing, and evaluation of emerging materiel
• Enhancing your technical and health risk assessment skills
• Engaging across DoD Services to support field water requirements development
• Strengthening your future professional opportunities as a scientist or engineer

Where will I be located?

Edgewood, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

The 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 12 months with the option to extend the appointment for up to four additional years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.

What are the appointment provisions? 

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 provisions may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

Security Clearance 

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.

About DHA'S 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.

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 have a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.  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 bachelor's, master's or doctoral 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:

• Knowledge of health risk concepts and principles
• Experience with potable water, water reuse and recycling, or wastewater treatment
• Knowledge with, or desire to learn, the operational field water supply mission
• Experience with analytical instruments and water analysis
• Ability to engage in projects independently.

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.
• Two Recommendations. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until two recommendation(s) is/are submitted. We encourage you to contact your recommenders 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 [DCPH-A-2024-0003] 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.

Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
  • Engineering (6 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (2 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (4 )
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).