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The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Soldier Center (DEVCOM-SC) is offering a full-time fellowship opportunity researching microorganisms in field settings.

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 in a research study investigating the storage stability of a novel bacteriophage technology at military relevant environmental conditions.

Why should I apply?

Foodborne illness outbreak due to exposure to pathogenic microorganisms is a serious problem for service members in various field settings and can easily result in large numbers of Warfighters getting sick and being unable to perform their mission. Research conducted by the Food Protection and Innovative Packaging Team (FPIPT) includes evaluating technology for detection and mitigation of microorganisms in military relevant field settings. 

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:

• sampling, data collection and data analysis over time tracking the storage study trends
• investigation of the bacteriophage excipient and its relationship to a mammalian cell culture host model
• research of mammalian cell cultures
• RT-qPCR analyzing and investigating potential gene expression changes in the host model after exposure to bacteriophage carried in varying excipients

Where will I be located?

Natick, Massachusetts

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 internships 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 provisions? 

You will receive a stipend to be determined by DEVCOM-SC. The stipend range for this opportunity is $5,833 - $7,333/month based on full-time participation. 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 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 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. More information about DEVCOM-SC can be found at https://sc.devcom.army.mil/ 

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 master's degree or PhD in microbiology, immunology or a related eligible discipline. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date. 

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:

• extensive knowledge of classical microbiology (culturing, maintaining, sampling BSL2 level microorganisms & bacteriophage overlay assays)
• culturing, passaging and managing 2D mammalian cell culture techniques
• Rt-qPCR

US citizenship is required.

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-2025-0003-R 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: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.30
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (5 )