Summer 2025 Tick-Borne Disease Research Internship
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering an internship to the candidate that is pursuing or recently received a bachelor's degree at the Vector-Borne Disease (VBD) Branch at the Defense Centers for Public Health – Aberdeen (DCPH-A), based in Edgewood, MD.
What will I be doing?
As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to test tick specimens using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in a Department of Defense (DOD) testing program. The internship offers valuable experience in a fast-paced, state-of-the-art, government production lab under an A2LA accreditation. You will have the opportunity to engage with the DCPH-A laboratory quality system and use a laboratory information management system (LIMS). The VBD Branch provides tick identification and pathogen results to tick bite victims in the DOD, to include Service Members and dependents, through the MilTICK program. MilTICK also delivers up-to-date surveillance data on tick-borne pathogens information to installation medical and public health personnel.
Why should I apply?
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to 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:
- Tick identification, data entry into the LIMS, tick nucleic acid isolation, and results reporting
- Conducting PCR testing and tick collections in the field
- Exposure to exciting and developing initiatives, such as the VBD Branch expansion of capabilities to include detection of additional infectious agents, and additional support of the DOD public health enterprise surveillance missions worldwide.
- Participating in the preparation of manuscripts for publication
- Developing leadership skills and roles in research projects.
- Learning how a high-throughput laboratory at the intersection of public health, molecular biology, and entomology operates.
Where will I be located?
The Vector-Borne Disease (VBD) Branch at the Defense Centers for Public Health – Aberdeen (DCPH-A), based in Edgewood, MD.
What is the anticipated start date?
May 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 12-week 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 appointment provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by DCPH-A. Stipends are typically based on a participant’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
DHA's Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen'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. Their vision is to be a world-class provider of public health services across the Army and DOD. For more information about the DCPH-A, please visit Home - Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen. For more information about the opportunity, please contact Vector-Borne Disease Branch Chief, Dr. Robyn Nadolny at robyn.m.nadolny.civ@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 have a bachelor's degree or will be completing their degree by May 31, 2025. Preferred fields/disciplines of study include entomology or molecular biology. Degree must have been received within two years of the appointment start date. Students actively enrolled or recently graduated from Old Dominion University or Norfolk State University are strongly encouraged to apply.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- Experience in molecular methods (DNA isolation and PCR), tick or other vector-borne disease research highly desired.
- Sound planning, organization, and problem-solving skills, have keen attention to detail, and have the ability to work 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.
- Two Recommendations. We encourage you to contact your recommenders 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-2024-0006] 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: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 24 months or anticipated to be received by 5/31/2025 12:00:00 AM.
- Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
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Discipline(s):
- Life Health and Medical Sciences (7 )
- Age: Must be 18 years of age
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