DCPH-A Health Hazard Assessment Internship
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering internships for current high school/GED and undergraduate students 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 involved in enhancing the Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen’s Health Hazard Assessment Capability which includes performing peace time and deployment health hazard exposure-related assessments, modeling, and analyses while focusing on training and experience of collecting health hazard exposure data. Your experience will include participation in the documenting of health hazard related historical knowledge, lessons learned, processes, procedures, SOPs, protocols, risk assessment logic, database structure, and reporting strategies which include assigning Risk Assessment Codes (RAC), recommendations to mitigate health hazard exposure risk, and residual RACs.
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:
- Performing deployment health-related exposure assessments to include Health Hazard Assessments and Joint Service member Occupational Health Assessments.
- Conducting evaluations necessary to make recommendations for mitigating health hazards associated with materiel acquisitions and Army modernization.
- Collaborating in forums, tasks, report writing, and events associated with planning, collecting, and assessing health hazards exposures associated with military materiel acquisitions, public health practice, occupational and environmental health outcomes, and costs of health hazard-related injuries and illnesses.
- Learning the processes, models, tools, standards, data collection hardware/software, and health protection criteria used by the Army and DoD to assess the potential for Soldiers to be exposed to health hazards while operating, testing, and maintaining weapon platforms, munitions, training devices, and other materiel systems during training and combat.
- Developing and drafting health hazard-related responses to requests for information and technical reports.
- Participating in the development of solutions for exposure data archiving.
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 appointment is a three-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.
What are the provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by DCPH-A. The stipend range for this opportunity is $3,500-$4,500/month based on full-time participation. 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 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
DHA's 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 ARMY-PHC@orise.orau.gov.
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 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 pursuing a high school diploma/GED or undergraduate degree.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- Strong interest in environmental, safety, and occupational health hazards and their effects on Service member health.
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-2025-0010] 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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