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The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering an internship/fellowship for current graduate students or post-master's/post-doctoral level candidates at the Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen.

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 support the Global Travelers’ Diarrhea (GTD) Study, managed through the Global Emerging Infections Surveillance Program Office.  The objective of the GTD Study is to acquire cross-continent comparable data on the epidemiology and etiology of enteric disease threats for global assessments and actions and to inform Force Health Protection (FHP) for U.S. military populations deployed worldwide. This objective is achieved through a standardized acute gastroenteritis/acute diarrhea case definition, standardized clinical and demographic data variables, and standardized laboratory procedures for the detection and characterization of enteric pathogens among U.S. military personnel and adult western travelers implemented across a network of globally located partner sites and laboratories.

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 significant experience and knowledge on infectious diseases, including enteric pathogens, and antimicrobial resistance, and laboratory testing, including molecular, microbiological, and whole genome sequencing
• Participating in weekly and monthly meetings with key stakeholders and collaborating with multiple DoD services and organizations
• Writing and/or modifying protocols
• Supporting the conception, design, development, and validation of infectious disease diagnostics and pathogen characterization.
• Collating data and report generation

Where will I be located?

Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

The preferred start date is July 7, 2025. 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 twelve-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. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location.  Approximate stipend $6,800/month. Other provisions may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• 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 DCHP-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 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 an earned master's or doctoral degree or will have completed by July 31, 2025, in the fields of cellular and molecular biology, epidemiology, microbiology or public health.  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:

• Educational background in public health microbiology, epidemiology, or a related field is preferred. 
• Knowledge of bacterial and viral enteric pathogens and antimicrobial sensitivity methodologies is desired.

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.
• 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-2025-0020] 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: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 7/31/2025 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (4 )