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The U.S. Army Public Health Command. East (PHC, East) is offering bachelor's level internship at the Fort George G. Meade installation in Fort Meade, Maryland. PHC, East ensures the health and readiness of Warfighters, DA Civilians, Beneficiaries and DoD-owned animals through comprehensive Public Health Services across 26 States, Cuba, and Puerto Rico in support of global force health protection.

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers at PHC, East. The research focus is vector-borne disease analysis on tick and mosquito samples received from Army installations within a 26-state region of the northeastern U.S. 

Why should I apply?

As the selected candidate, this internship provides you an opportunity to engage in entomological studies and surveys to include preparation and molecular analysis of arthropod specimens as well as related laboratory operations. You will gain unique experience and knowledge in mosquito, tick, and other medically important organism identification, vector ecology, emerging vector-borne diseases, good laboratory practices, record keeping, data entry, and data analysis.

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:

• Receive, log, sort, and identify arthropod (ticks and mosquitoes) and related specimens for laboratory analysis using techniques such as RNA and DNA isolation
• Complete the data entry of logged samples into an automated laboratory Information system
• Participate in the reporting, to sample submitters, testing results
• Learn the process for analyzing results and determining the relative threat of vector-borne diseases to the military forces

What is the anticipated start date?

PHC, East is prepared to begin this internship May 2024; however, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the internship will be filled as a qualified candidates is identified. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. 

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. Appointment extensions should not be considered automatic. 

Participant Benefits

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by PHC, East. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location.  Other benefits may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Training and Travel Allowance

Nature of Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

About PHC, East

PHC, East, Entomological Sciences Division (ESD), provides vector-borne disease surveillance guidance and coordinates the submission of arthropod samples from Army installations within a 26-state region of the northeastern U.S. The ESD works closely with the Laboratory Sciences Division (LSD) to characterize disease threats through vector identification and testing for pathogens.

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.

Highly competitive applicants for this internship will have completed or complete by May 31, 2024, a bachelor's in biology or closely related field. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.  In addition, preferred candidates should possess the following attributes:

• Strong organizational skills with emphasis on maintaining orderly systems, processes and records.  
• Keen observational skills to monitor experiment results.
• Ability to understand and follow procedures, ask questions of managing scientists, and communicate findings in written reports.
• Interest in working with sophisticated analytical instruments and learning new software.
• Ability to maintain focus while performing repetitive tasks.
• Interest and ability to work with microscopic equipment and learning laboratory information software.

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 - For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• Two Recommendations. 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-PHC@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [PHCEast-2024-0001] 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 received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/31/2024 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (16 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (2 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (27 )