Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering post bachelor's or master's internships at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD).

What will I be doing?

Under the guidance of your mentor, Dr. Nicholas Paparoidamis, you will support the development and evaluation of medical diagnostics for exposure to toxic chemical agents. Specifically, point-of-care in vitro diagnostics able to measure exposure via electrochemical and optical techniques. A list of research activities that the candidate can expect to be involved with include, but are not limited to:

• Electrochemical methods such as chronoamperometry for development of biosensors intended for eventual FDA approval.
• Medical device development and testing to include in vitro and in vivo evaluations of device efficacy.
• Synthesis of biopolymers and development of novel colorimetric chemistries.
• Planning and execution of experiments.
• Analysis of experimental results.
• Analytical chemistry and use of analytical instrumentation such as liquid and gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
• Analysis and presentation of experimental data for inclusion reports and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications.
• Opportunities exist for ORISE participants to propose and conduct their own projects, as well as attend research conferences.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Paparoidamis at nicholas.paparoidamis.civ@health.mil.

Why should I apply?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement their education and support academic and professional goals.  You will have access to state-of-the art equipment and facilities and will be challenged to tackle novel problems along with an interdisciplinary team.  Our laboratory group values motivated candidates and encourages participants to propose, develop, and execute individual experiments and projects to develop them as well-rounded researchers.

Where will I be located?

Gunpowder, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

USAMRICD is prepared to begin this appointment as soon as possible and will review applications on an ongoing basis until a candidate is selected.

What is the appointment length? 

Appointments are initially for one year with the option to extend the appointment for up to four additional years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.

What are the appointment provisions? 

You will receive a stipend to be determined by USAMRICD. 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 U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD)

The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) is the Department of Defense’s lead laboratory for medical chemical defense research. As a subordinate element of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC), The Institute conducts research for development of medical countermeasures to treat exposure to various chemical threat agents for protection of soldiers and civilians. Scientific disciplines at USAMRICD include, but are not limited to, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, neuroscience, toxicology, physiology, psychology, and immunology. Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USAMRICD.  

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 applicant should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Most recent degree, whether bachelor’s or master’s, must have been received within five years of the appointment start date. U.S. military veterans who have been honorably discharged (or who have been medically discharged because of a service-connected disability) and who received a minimum of a bachelor's degree within ten years of the desired start date are also eligible.

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.
• 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-MRMC@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [MRDC-MRICD-2025-0001] 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.

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!

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (5 )
  • Engineering (9 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).