Epidemiology Expertise
Description:
A team of ORISE epidemiologists at ORAU provides radiation epidemiology expertise to the Department of Energy and other federal agencies. This expertise includes performing surveillance for radiation exposure as well as conducting health and mortality studies to improve understanding of the possible health effects of radiation, particularly in occupational exposure settings.
As there are no formal training programs specific to radiation epidemiology, those performing health studies and surveillance for radiation exposure must do 'on-the-job' training for classically trained epidemiologists with interest in radiation and occupational health. ORISE has the ability to provide such training and education to interested epidemiologists given the depth of subject matter expertise and the availability of data from long-term studies specific to radiation, such as the DOE Million Worker Study. In this internship, the successful applicant will be exposed to the various aspects and skills required of a radiation epidemiologist, gaining applied epidemiological experience by working in a collaborative research environment alongside ORISE researchers and other Million Worker Study collaborators. This is a unique experience that no university or training program can offer to a trainee. This opportunity will have a weekly stipend starting at $900.
What will I be doing?
Under the guidance of mentors, the success applicant will participate in radiation epidemiology research studies. The successful applicant will not only gain valuable experience in radiation epidemiology, but also develop skills that are transferrable to other areas other of health research. The specific activities included in this summer internship include review of scientific literature, application of study design, human subjects research policy and IRB aspects of health studies, cohort specific power calculations, historical document review and data capture, data cleaning and collation, dosimetry calculations, statistical analyses, contribution to scientific manuscripts and presentations, and participation on study team working groups.
What are the benefits?
The successful applicant will receive a stipend to be determined by ORAU based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, and experience. This 10-week internship is conducted primarily virtually, with opportunity for limited in-person activities in Oak Ridge, TN based on availability of funding.
Bachelor’s degree in a Public Health or related discipline with a minimum of 3.0 GPA and at least two semesters of math or statistics courses.
Recent Master’s degree or Doctoral candidate in public health, biostatistics, or biomedical science is preferred.
Previous experience with data manipulation and analysis are desirable.
Applicants must be a current student at or have received a degree from a ORAU member school https://orau.org/university-partnerships/consortium-members.html.
ORAU Pathfinder
Whether you are just starting your career or already at a senior level, ORAU offers internships, fellowships, research opportunities, and contract positions that can provide you with invaluable experience. Download the ORAU Pathfinder mobile app and find the right opportunity to propel you along your career path!
