U.S. Army Public Health Command: Vector-Borne Disease Biologist Fellowship

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
APHC-2022-0005
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/fellowships at the U.S. Army Public Health Center (APHC).Located at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, APHC's mission is to enhance Army readiness by identifying and assessing current and emerging health threats, developing and communicating public health solutions, and assuring the quality and effectiveness of the Army's Public Health Enterprise to support  the agency vision to be a world-class provider of public health services across the Army and DOD.

What will I be doing and Why should I apply?

As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to provide rapid identification and testing of ticks removed from DOD beneficiaries, and generates a robust surveillance dataset to better combat tick-borne disease risks to DOD personnel. This fellowship offers you valuable, concrete experience in an American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) lab, with additional experience following the APHC laboratory quality system, conducting method development activities, and using an electronic laboratory information management system (LIMS). In addition to the routine MilTICK PCR-based mission, other projects may include next generation sequencing of vector-borne pathogens, real-time PCR assay development, testing mosquitoes for emerging genetic resistance to insecticides, and collaborations with academic and federal partners on vector-borne disease-related projects.

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:

  • gain experience in a high-throughput laboratory at the intersection of public health, molecular biology, entomology, and ecology.
  • participate in tick identification, tick nucleic acid isolation, PCR screening, results reporting, scientific writing, and data entry represent typical aspects of this fellowship opportunity. 
  • advance knowledge and skills in the fields of medical entomology and tick-borne disease ecology. 
  • participate in the preparation of manuscripts for publication 
  • learn leadership skills applicable to a research project

Where will I be located?  Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

APHC is ready to make appointments immediately. 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 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.

What are the benefits? 

You will receive a stipend to be determined by APHC. Stipends are typically based on a 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

About Army Public Health Center (APHC

For more information about the Army Public Health Center, please visit U.S. Army Public Health Center | USAPHC

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 must be a US citizen and 18 years or older and have completed a bachelor's degree, master's degree or doctoral degree within five years or will be completed within 12 months of the appointment start date.  Those with recent degrees in the fields of entomology or molecular biology are particularly encouraged to apply.

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:

  • Experience in PCR testing and/or tick and tick-borne disease research highly desired.
  • The incumbent should have sound planning, organization, and problem solving skills, be self-motivated, and have the ability to participate as a team member.  

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.
  • One Recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not reviewed until one recommendation is submitted.   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 APHC-2022-0005 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!

 

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 8/31/2023 12:00:00 AM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )
  • Age: Must be 18 years of age
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