MRICD Protein Engineering Research Internship
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering post bachelor's level internship at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD).
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 focus on screening new enzymes in a variety of in vitro assays.
Why should I apply?
This research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD), Defense Health Agency (DHA) in the field of protein engineering. Mutant enzymes from human and bacterial sources will be analyzed for catalytic activities against a broad spectrum of organophosphorus compounds and other substrates. As the selected candidate and under the guidance of a mentor, you will have laboratory opportunities which may include assessment of enzyme concentrations, characterization of enzyme size by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, characterization of polydispersive index (pdi) and hydrodynamic radius (Rh) using dynamic light scattering instruments, enzyme-based activity assays for developing kinetic constants, thermal denaturation experiments to assess enzyme stability. You will learn the process of around preparations for organophosphorus nerve agent hydrolysis assays, as well as other laboratory opportunities when available. Finally, you will be encouraged to present posters at scientific meetings.
Where will I be located?
Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
June 16, 2025. 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?
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 provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by USAMRICD. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location, the stipend range for this opportunity will be $54,750 - $59,900 for a 12-month appointment. 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 USAMRICD
The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) is the Department of Defense's lead laboratory for medical chemical defense research. As a subordinate element of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC), the institute conducts research for development of medical countermeasures to treat exposure to various chemical threat agents for protection of soldiers and civilians. Scientific disciplines at USAMRICD include, but are not limited to, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, neuroscience, toxicology, physiology, psychology, and immunology. For more information about the USAMRICD, please visit Home - USAMRICD.
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 degree in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, molecular biology, or other eligible STEM discipline, or will have completed your degree by October 2025. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date. U.S. military veterans who have been honorably discharged (or who have been medically discharged because of a service-connected disability) and who received a bachelor's degree within ten years of the desired start date are also eligible.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- Experience in the field of protein science
- General laboratory skills.
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.
- Two Recommendations. We encourage you to contact your recommenders 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-MRMC@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [MRDC-MRICD-2025-0009] 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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- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 10/31/2025 11:59:00 PM.
- Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
- Discipline(s):
- Age: Must be 18 years of age
- Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
ORISE GO
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