Microbiology Internship in Novel Antimicrobials
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The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a microbiology internship with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM-CBC).
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 research and development novel antimicrobial technologies for efficacy evaluation. The efficacy evaluation shall be performed using a standardized test method. The efficacy of such technologies shall involve the use of a wide range of pathogenic and non-pathogenic biological agents, including spores, vegetative cells, fungi, and viruses.
Why should I apply?
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to 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 novel disinfection, decontamination and detection technologies
- Conducting tests and efficacy evaluations of antimicrobial products
- Gaining experience in general lab management operations, including cleanliness and disposal of biological waste/glassware washings/autoclaving required for decontamination in virology labs
- Conducting literature reviews of previous research
- Drafting/reviewing technical reports and peer-reviewed journal articles based on experimental outcomes
- Preparing and reviewing technical briefings for presenting presentation work at scientific conferences
- Attending scientific/collaborator technical meetings
- Using data-capture forms to generate preliminary assessments of the log reduction estimations
Where will I be located?
Edgewood, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
DEVCOM-CBC 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 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 appointment provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by DEVCOM-CBC. 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 DEVCOM-CBC
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Chemical Biological Center (CCDC-CBC) is the primary Department of Defense technical organization for non-medical chemical and biological defense. (CCDC-CBC) activities at the Edgewood portion of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, provide an extraordinary capability against emerging biological and chemical threats by merging intelligence assessments with its world-renowned chemistry, biology, physiology and engineering expertise at every stage of the acquisition life cycle. We provide a unique blend of distinguished scientists and engineers for the research and development of innovative technological solutions to solve chemical and biological defense threats to our nation—both abroad and on the homeland.
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 received a High School Diploma, GED within the last twelve months or undergraduate degree in Biology within the last twelve months or currently pursuing the undergraduate degree with an anticipated completion date of 01/01/2026.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- Cell Culture
- Aseptic technique
- Critical thinking
- Quality assurance and quality control aspects of experimental work in laboratory and assist the Government Investigator in maintaining QA/QC records
- Propagation, preservation, and preparation of test materials
- Support research in Bio Safety Level 1 and 2 labs
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: High School Diploma/GED, Associate's Degree, or Bachelor's Degree received within the last 12 months or anticipated to be received by 1/1/2026 12:00:00 AM.
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Discipline(s):
- Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
- Age: Must be 18 years of age
I affirm that I have earned a high school degree or GED at the time of application.



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