Biomedical Research Internship Opportunity

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
MRDC-WRAIR-2026-0002
How to Apply

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

Description

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) is DoD's premier research enterprise for infectious diseases, brain health, and performance optimization is offering a research fellowship within the Office of the Chief Science Officer (OCSO). This fellowship opportunity is for students currently pursuing a master's or doctoral degree students.

What will I be doing?

The research internship will focus on developing valuable skills in scientific research methodologies and will provide you the opportunity to learn all aspects involved in conducting biomedical research projects. In addition, you will gain experience scientific writing while you deepen your understanding of the various elements including documenting progress and effective communication of scientific findings to diverse audiences.

Why should I apply?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will learn how to conduct innovative scientific research aimed at addressing critical gaps in military medical research. This internship will provide you an exceptional opportunity to:

  • Apply scientific research methodologies and techniques to include designing, implementing, and analyzing experiments to address specific research questions.
  • Create the lifespan of research projects from inception to completion and define and document research project benchmarks.
  • Develop skills in scientific writing and understanding scientific proposals.
  • Learn effective communication of research ideas and objectives.
  • Analyze biomedical research efforts and identify existing gaps within a government laboratory setting and across research teams.

Where will I be located?

Silver Spring, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

WRAIR 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 fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length? 

This 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? 

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by WRAIR. Stipends are typically based on the 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.
  • Training and Travel Allowance

About WRAIR

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) aims to conduct biomedical research that is responsive to U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements. WRAIR conducts basic science, applied science, and animal and human subjects research to deliver lifesaving products including knowledge, technology and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the Warfighter. Areas of focus include tropical infectious diseases and HIV, medical care on the battlefield and post-traumatic stress disorders. For more information about the WRAIR, please visit www.wrair.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.

 

Qualifications

The qualified candidate will be pursuing or received a Master's or Doctoral degree in biomedical or brain health field (e.g., biology, psychology, neuroscience, virology, etc.).  

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 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-WRAIR-2026-0002] 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!

Stipend
$140,000.00 – $155,000.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/30/2031 12:00:00 AM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (13 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (1 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
ORISE
ORISE ORISE GO
ORISE

The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!