Components of the online application are as follows:

• Profile Information
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
• References

Submitted documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system.

If you have questions, send an email to Army-PHC@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

The mission of United States Army Public Health Center (APHC) is to promote health and prevent disease, injury, and disability of soldiers and military retirees, their families, and Army civilian employees; and assures effective execution of full spectrum veterinary services for Army and DOD veterinary missions. Their vision is to be a world-class provider of public health services across the Army and DOD. For more information about APHC, please visit https://phc.amedd.army.mil.

Under the direction of the mentor, the participant will support scientific initiatives to increase education and knowledge throughout public health sciences. They will assist the Immuno-Diagnostic Laboratory in assay validations, immunological diagnostic testing, and appropriate public health investigations. Laboratory-based testing includes microbiology, immunology, serology, and virology. Testing will be for pathogens of zoonotic and veterinary importance for both human and animal specimens. Under the direction of the mentor, the intern will participate in laboratory study design and support processes involved in maintaining a laboratory according to ISO 17025, A2LA, and CLIP accreditation standards. Will prepare written and oral communications in order to conduct training, informational briefings, reports of analytical test results, and scientific publications. Participant will need to receive rabies vaccination.

This project will allow the participant the opportunity to experience a fast paced, dynamic one-health laboratory environment with global impact. Technical skills will be enhanced with techniques such as direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA), indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA), virus neutralization assays (FAVN and RFFIT), ELISA tests, and others. State of the art laboratory equipment will be utilized. An appreciation will be gained for working in a diverse workforce, with a military chain of command, an accredited quality assurance system, adherence to international standards, and utilizing the best current scientific understanding. There will be hands-on experience with cell culture, virus culture, and a variety of antibody techniques. Necropsy of animal heads for rabies diagnosis will be performed. Techniques for working with live rabies virus safely will be learned. Knowledge will be gained in the fields of immunology, microbiology, virology, and public health. A direct effect will be demonstrated between work at the laboratory bench and the lives and well-being of humans and animals, to include military working dogs and pets of service members. This laboratory provides a unique experience with the application of scientific knowledge and creative problem solving in a form that will fulfill the needs of the military for standardization and adherence to multiple layers of regulation; therefore, participation in this project will serve to develop a better understanding of laboratory support to large public health enterprises.

Appointment Length

This is a twelve month research appointment, with the option to be extended additional research terms. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

Participant Benefits

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by APHC. 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.
• Relocation Allowance
• 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.

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.

The ideal candidate would have a bachelors degree, masters degree, or be enrolled in a masters program in the Bioscience field (immunology, microbiology, virology, medical technology, clinical laboratory sciences). To qualify for ORISE, candidates must have completed their degree within the past five years.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )