Food Science Internship in the Combat Feeding Division of DEVCOM-Soldier Center

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
DEVCOM-SC-2023-0004R
How to Apply

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

Description

The DEVCOM-Soldier Center is offering an internship to postgraduates and current students. 

Why should I apply?

The Combat Feeding Division (CFD) provides the Department of Defense (DoD) with a joint-service program responsible for research, development, testing, integration and engineering for combat rations, food service equipment technology and combat feeding systems. CFD leverages leading-edge technologies to ensure the Warfighter has the decisive edge in all aspects of combat feeding. The operationally relevant research and development base delivers solutions for evolving field feeding challenges and aims to optimize human performance through nutrition for all U.S. Warfighters.

What will I be doing?

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 new food prototypes using novel and conventional food processing methods, such as thermal sterilization, hurdle technologies, food additive manufacturing, vacuum microwave drying, ultrasonic agglomeration, three-dimensional food printing, etc.
  • Conducting physical and sensory analysis on foods to characterize novel food formulations and assess product quality/stability.
  • Assisting in large scale up productions of developmental items.
  • Preparing reports and briefings on efforts to include design of experiments, technical approach, milestone schedules, key performance metrics and project accomplishments.
  • Attending and presenting research at technical meetings within scientific community.

Where will I be located?

Natick, MA

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 fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length? 

Appointments are initially for one year with the option to extend the appointment for up to four additional years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.

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.

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 earned a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in Food Sciences and Technology or related discipline within the past 60 months or will be currently pursuing a degree and expect to receive it by December 31, 2023.

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience with food product development or a related discipline.

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(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 ORISE-RDECOM@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [DEVCOM-SC-2023-0004R] 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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Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2023 12:00:00 AM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )