Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering internships for post-bachelor level candidates or students currently pursuing a bachelor's degree at the Defense Health Agency's Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen (DHA's-DCPH-A).

What will I be doing?

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to develop skills and knowledge on field techniques, tactics, policies, and procedures for collection, shipment, and interpretation of results for wastewater biosurveillance samples.  You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to participate in the DCPH-A water resources mission. This is a great opportunity if you seek to: have an impact on the public health decisions, expand your knowledge of the DoD, enhance your technical and health risk assessment skills, and gain valuable experience that is applicable to a career as a scientist or engineer.

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:

• Developing recommendations to improve processes both internal and external to DCPH-A
• Providing public health information to senior DoD leaders
• Gaining knowledge and understanding about current field wastewater techniques, tactics, policies, and procedures 
• Using sound engineering and risk assessment techniques to assess wastewater sample data and public health information
• Learning to identify health risks and recommend mitigation strategies to protect public health.

As a selected participant, you may also have opportunities to expand your learning by:

• Experiencing the process of testing and evaluation of materiel
• Conducting wastewater sampling to document system performance  
• Providing technical presentations on wastewater materiel and surveillance requirements 
• Developing or updating informational products and doctrine, such as materiel standard operating procedures, laboratory testing protocols, fact sheets, information papers, regulations, pamphlets, and technical bulletins
• Collaborating across DHA, DoD Services, industry, and academia in support of improving the safety and oversight of wastewater biosurveillance.

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? 

This is intended as a summer opportunity for a recent graduate or student currently pursuing a bachelor's degree.  For current students, precise dates of start and end are open to change with availability around school semester start and end dates. An ORISE summer appointment is typically 10-12 weeks; yearlong appointments may also be available. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the provisions? 

You will receive a stipend to be determined by DCPH-A.  The stipend for this opportunity ranges from $4000-$5600/month and will be based on the applicant’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 DCPH-A

The Defense Health Agency supports our Nation by improving health and building readiness–making extraordinary experiences ordinary and exceptional outcomes routine.  For more information about the DCPH-A, please visit https://ph.health.mil/Pages/About.aspx.

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 should have an earned bachelor's degree or be a current rising junior or senior bachelor's student pursuing a degree in science or engineering, preferably in environmental science, environmental engineering, biology, civil engineering, chemical engineering, or related major. Post-baccalaureate degree must have been received within the last 60 months.

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 wastewater, potable water, water reuse and recycling, or wastewater treatment
•  experience with using the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System (DOEHRS)
•  experience with analytical instruments and water analysis
•  ability to follow directions
•  strong written and verbal communication skills required.

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 - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• One 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-2025-0006] 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.

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 received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2027 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
  • Engineering (3 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (5 )