Summer 2026 Undergraduate Internship in Infectious Disease Research
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
The U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command - Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRDC MRIID) is offering undergraduate internship opportunities for Summer 2026.
What will I be doing?
USAMRIID is seeking applications for summer undergraduate internship appointments to participate in hands-on research in the laboratory. The intent of this internship is to provide an educational opportunity for students interested in science, engineering or medical career fields associated with infectious disease research, and to expose students to ongoing research efforts at a leading federal laboratory for medical biological research.
As a participant, you will be assigned to a mentor and matched with a project related to infectious disease research. Mentor and project matches will be based upon your academic experience and professional interests. At the end of your internship you will be expected to prepare a slide presentation based on your accomplishments and present them at the Student Summer Symposium at USAMRIID.
Why should I apply?
This internship offers a unique opportunity to participate at the forefront of infectious disease research at USAMRIID, the nation's leading institution for medical biological defense. Participants in the program may expect to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge biological research facilities, contribute to impactful research that addresses global health challenges, and expand their research skills alongside scientists who are internationally renowned experts in fields such as genomics, virology, bacteriology, entomology, toxicology, biochemistry, pathology, veterinary medicine, aerobiology, synthetic biology, immunology, and regulatory science.
Where will I be located?
Fort Detrick, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
1 June 2026 through 7 August 2026
What is the appointment length?
This appointment is a full-time ten-week research appointment.
- Interns selected for the program are expected to participate 40 hours per week during their internship.
- Selected applicants must be available to participate for the full duration of the internship term.
What are the provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by USAMRIID. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience and attendance with a range of $7500 - $8250.
Transportation and housing will not be provided. All participants must procure their own housing and transportation.
Security Clearance
While participants will not enter into 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, which may include federal drug screening.
All program participants are considered guest investigators and are subject to laboratory regulations governing visiting scientists.
About MRIID
USAMRIID is a global leader in medical biological defense research. USAMRIID’s mission is to provide leading edge medical capabilities to deter and defend against current and emerging biological agents that threaten both the military and the nation. USAMRIID’s unique capabilities include BSL-3 and -4 laboratories, world-class expertise in biosafety and biosecurity, test and evaluation of candidate vaccines and therapeutics, and fully accredited animal research facilities to support animal model development. For more information about the MRIID, please visit https://usamriid.health.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 be currently attending college pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree.
Highly competitive applicants will demonstrate a strong interest in furthering their STEM education at the graduate level.
Additional requirements:
- Be able to pass a background investigation (which may include federal drug screening)
- All appointments are contingent on the receipt of a favorable interim background investigation.
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 Recommendations. 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 [USAMRDC-MRIID-2026-0001] 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.
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- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Currently pursuing an Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree.
- Discipline(s):
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