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The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering an internship opportunity at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Soldier Center (DEVCOM-SC). As part of the Army's Futures Command, DEVCOM-SC is located at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Massachusetts. Stretching back to 1954, DEVCOM-SC's history of support for the Soldier Center 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-SC. Diverse expertise comprised of scientists, engineers, technologists and equipment designers, DEVCOM-SC 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.

What will I be doing?

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant at DEVCOM-SC, you will join a community of scientists, engineers and researchers to learn and carry out research for cell culture-based assays including but not limited to viral plaque assays.  

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,

• Conducting experiments investigating novel bacteriophage technology for shelf stability and efficacy against pathogens of interest
• Gaining experience in microbiological testing for developmental ration components as well and growth and maintenance of bacterial/viral cultures. Microbiological testing may include sanitizer efficacy, water purification efficacy, biosensor limit of detection, and other novel applications in the realm of food protection
• Developing reports and briefings on efforts to include design of experiments, technical approach, milestone schedules, key performance metrics, and project accomplishments
• Attending technical meetings within the scientific community

Where will I be located?

Natick, Massachusetts

What is the anticipated start date?

The DEVCOM-SC 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 an eight-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-SC. 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

Security Clearance 

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.

About DEVCOM SC

The U.S. Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC) 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 CCDC 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 CCDC Soldier Center. Diverse expertise comprised of scientists, engineers, technologists and equipment designers, the CCDC 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.

The qualified candidate will have a bachelor's or master's degree in biology, microbiology, cellular and molecular biology, or food science and technology within the last twelve months or currently pursuing the degree with an anticipated completion date on or before May 31, 2025. 

Highly competitive applicants will have experience or knowledge of the following:

• Food safety/microbiology
• Bacteriophage plaque assays
• Mammalian cell culture
• Viral plaque assays

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-SC-2024-0003 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: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 12 months or anticipated to be received by 5/30/2025 12:00:00 AM.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.30
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (4 )