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The U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center, Natick, MA seeks to recruit undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research projects on emergent materials. Special focus is on the use of nanoscience and/or synthetic biology and/or machine learning as key enablers of the futuristic material technologies.

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers and engage in educational and research opportunities to become familiar with the science and technology needs for the Soldier and develop experience in various aspects of advanced materials design and development fueled by one or more of the enablers – nanoscience, synthetic biology and machine learning. 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 may participate in STEM activities such as courses, research seminars, research projects, and an annual scientific presentations event. This experience will also allow students to gain capability to compete, in the future, for positions in DoD/Army/Soldier Center laboratories, and to conduct research on a variety of materials technology challenges to create new Soldier/Army/DoD capabilities.

Where will I be located?

Activities will be conducted at the DEVCOM SC Campus at Natick, MA.  Occasionally it could be at a partner university campus.

What is the anticipated start date?

DEVCOM SC considers candidates on a continuous basis. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.  This opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.  The actual start date will be when the background investigation is completed.

What are the benefits?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by DEVCOM-SC.  Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About DEVCOM-SC

The U.S. Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (DEVCOM Soldier Center) is located at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Massachusetts, under the Army's Futures Command. Stretching back to 1954, the DEVCOM Soldier Center's history of support for the Soldier has continued uninterrupted for more than six decades, with a focus on Soldier-related research, development, testing and evaluation efforts. If Soldiers wear it, eat it, sleep under it, or have it airdropped to them in theater, it can be traced back to the DEVCOM Soldier Center. Diverse expertise comprised of scientists, engineers, technologists and equipment designers, the DEVCOM Soldier Center provides a wide range of capabilities to the Soldier, to include field feeding and life support systems, protective clothing, precision airdrop systems, and ballistic, chemical and laser-protection systems, and human performance optimization.  For more information about DEVCOM-SC, please visit https://www.army.mil/DEVCOM.

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 either received an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree within the past 12 months or is a current student pursuing an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's degree in physical sciences, life sciences or engineering.

Highly competitive applicants will have an aptitude for participating in research, writing scientific and technical reports, and making oral presentations.

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.

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. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted. 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-RDECOM@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity DEVCOM-SC-2022-0013 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: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or Master's Degree received within the last 12 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (28 )