Organization: U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code: DCPH-A-2025-0009
How to Apply: Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
Description
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering internships for current associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s level students at the Defense Health Agency’s Defense Centers for Public Health – Aberdeen (DHA’s-DCPH-A).
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 collaborating across the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to develop surveillance requirements and execute risk assessment of water, air, and soil in deployment environments. The Department of Defense (DoD) is focusing on future Large Scale Combat Operations with near peer adversaries; this opportunity is a result of the need improve water quality surveillance at all echelons.
Why should I apply?
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:
- Learning current field water oversight requirements and medical equipment sets
- Assessing gaps in fielded capabilities
- Conducting market research on commercial off-the-shelf analytical instruments applicable to the field water mission
- Gain understanding of capabilities and production timeline of academic and government product development of field water instruments
- Capturing instrument capabilities and comparing to military requirements
- Using multi-attribute decision making to recommend updates to the current medical equipment sets
Where will I be located?: Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
June 2, 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?
This appointment is a full-time, ten-week summer 2025 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?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by DCPH-A. The stipend for this opportunity ranges from $4000-$5600/month and will be based on the applicant’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)
- Relocation Allowance
- Training and Travel Allowance
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.
About DCPH-A
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) supports our Nation by improving health and building readiness–making extraordinary experiences ordinary and exceptional outcomes routine. For more information about DHA and the Defense Centers for Public Health (DCPH), please visit https://ph.health.mil/Pages/About.aspx.
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 an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree in earth and geosciences, engineering, environmental and marine sciences, life health and medical sciences, mathematics and statistics, physics, nanotechnology, or other eligible discipline.
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-PHC@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [DCPH-A-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.
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!
Point of Contact: Kimberly
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Currently pursuing an Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, or Master’s Degree.
- Discipline(s):
- Age: Must be 18 years of age
