DCPH-A Summer 2025 In Vitro Skin Sensitization Research Opportunity
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering internships for recent high school/GED graduates who are matriculating to a 2 or 4-year institution for the fall 2025 semester, or current undergraduate students at the Defense Health Agency's Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen (DHA's-DCPH-A). This research opportunity is with the DCPH-A Toxicology Directorate that provides toxicological assessment of novel military-relevant compounds (MRC) currently under research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E). Safeguarding the health and welfare of service members, civilians, and the environment requires an assessment of alternatives before they are fielded. Continuous phased assessments begun early in the RDT&E process can save significant time and effort over the life cycle of the compound’s development.
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 collaborating across the Defense Health Agency (DHA) with a goal of developing new approach methodologies (NAMs) for in vitro skin sensitization test methods.
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:
- Optimizing a method known as the Electrophillic Allergen Screening Assay (EASA).
- Learning about skin sensitizer, a compound that will lead to an allergic response after exposure.
- Gaining knowledge about chemical exposer and the three key events (KE) that result in Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP).
- Using two different assays, specific for two different key events in the AOP: the Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay (DPRA) (KE #1), which determines the degradation of the amino acid, cysteine, determined by HPLC analysis after a 24-hour incubation with the MRC, and the Human Cell Line Activation Test (KE #2), which quantifies the changes in expression CD86 and CD54 in the monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 after exposure to the MRC.
Where will I be located?
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
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 full-time, eight-week summer 2025 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 for this opportunity will be based on the applicant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location.
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 (DHA) supports our Nation by improving health and building readiness–making extraordinary experiences ordinary and exceptional outcomes routine. For more information about DHA and the Defense Centers for Public Health (DCPH), 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 is a recent high school/GED graduate who is matriculating to a 2 or 4-year institution for the fall 2025 semester, or current undergraduate student pursuing a degree in biology, chemistry, bio-medical engineering, or other eligible STEM discipline.
Highly qualified candidates will have experience in one or more of the following:
- experience in a toxicology related setting designing project
- experience with data collection and analysis
- coursework or knowledge in basic statistics
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 Recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender 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-2025-0019] 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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I affirm that I have an earned high school/GED diploma and am either a current undergraduate student or will be matriculating in the fall of 2025 to a 2 or 4-year higher education institution.
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!
