Microbiology Internship in Novel Antimicrobials

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
DEVCOM-CBC-2024-0007
How to Apply

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

Description

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.

 

Qualifications

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 
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(s) 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-rdecom@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity DEVCOM-CBC-2024-0007 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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Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
  • 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.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
  • Age: Must be 18 years of age
Affirmation

I affirm that I have earned a high school degree or GED at the time of application. 

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