DCPH-A Deployment Health Surveillance Assessment Internship
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a Postbaccalaureate internship at the Defense Health Agency’s Defense Centers for Public Health – Aberdeen (DCPH-A) within the Environmental Health Science Division (EHSD).
What will I be doing?
As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers (civilian and military) in an effort to assess remote and virtual sampling capabilities/needs necessary to support deployment health surveillance. With the advancement of technologies and initiatives to improve data quality (sample collection and data analysis), a review of current field sampling capabilities contrasted with future desires is required to facilitate data collection and support. While EHSD has historically focused on soil sampling, this evaluation necessitates a review across the spectrum of media (i.e. air, water, soil/sediment). As the selected candidate, you will engage in learning multi-media field sampling techniques, tactics, policies, and procedures associated with remote collection, sampling analysis, and data evaluation. This effort would complement the recently updated Occupational and Environmental Health Site Assessment (OESHA) Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) and current Data Quality Initiatives (DQI) that is currently ongoing.
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 experience with current sample collection, analysis/ capabilities, and sample strategies.
- Utilizing Army Design Methodology (or equivalent) in developing an action plan.
- Learning the capabilities of Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System (DOEHRS)
- Engaging individuals in other divisions, directorates (DHA functional Areas) and from the other Services.
If you have further interest to expand your knowledge, other opportunities within the division include:
- Learning about testing and evaluation of various sample media against screening criteria relative to equipment capabilities.
- Participating in technical consultations on field sampling, sampling strategies, and data analysis
- Developing or updating informational products and doctrine, such as materiel standard operating procedures, laboratory testing protocols, fact sheets, information papers, regulations, pamphlets, and training materials.
- Participating in technical assistance visits with deploying personnel
- Networking with experienced researchers and scientists across DHA, DOD Services, industry, and academia in support of improving the health surveillance sampling
Where will I be located?
Aberdeen Proving Ground, 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 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 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
About DHA’S DCPH-A
The Defense Health Agency’s mission is to support our Nation by improving health and building readiness-making extraordinary experiences ordinary and exceptional outcomes routine. At DHA’s Defense Centers for Public Health – Aberdeen they strive to enhance DoD’s readiness by identifying and assessing current and emerging health threats, developing and communicating public health solutions, and assuring the quality and effectiveness of the DoD’s Public Health Enterprise. The DHA vision is an unrelenting pursuit of excellence as we care for our joint force and those we are privileged to serve. Anytime, Anywhere –Always. For more information about the DHA's DCHP-A, please visit Home - Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen.
The mission of the Environmental Health Safety Division (EHSD) is to identify, monitor and mitigate adverse public health impacts to the Army Community from threats posed by hazardous and medical materials/wastes and environmental noise.
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 Postbaccalaureate degree. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- Ability to effectively communicate in both verbal and written format
- Ability to travel no more than 10% of the time (if needed)
- Ability to conduct critical thinking
- Knowledge of health risk concepts and principles
- Knowledge of environment sampling, sample analysis, and data evaluation
- Data management systems
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. 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-224-0005] 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: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
- Discipline(s):
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