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The Naval Medical Research Unit - San Antonio (NAMRU-SA) Directed Energy Health Effects Directorate (DEHE) is located in the Tri-Service Research Laboratory, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, TX.  NAMRU-SA's mission is to conduct gap driven directed energy, combat casualty care, and craniofacial health research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. NAMRU-SA scientists conduct basic, applied, and advanced technology research and development through prototype demonstration in an operational environment. The focus of the research in the DEHE Directorate is acute or chronic health effects because of exposure to the spectrum of non-ionizing electromagnetic energy from radiofrequencies through ultraviolet radiation. The Tri-Service Research Laboratory (TSRL) building consists of a 181,000 square foot facility with a 46,000 square foot vivarium that is fully accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care. The facility was built specifically for directed energy research and includes dedicated laser laboratories and shielded anechoic chambers for radiofrequency and microwave research.  The surgical space available to NAMRU-SA, consisting of sterile and non-sterile operating rooms is 3,000 square feet with an additional 2,200 square feet of laboratory and procedure space.  

What will I be doing?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will have the opportunity to learn how to design experiments, perform data collection, and conduct analysis pertaining to health effects of laser systems relevant to Navy operations. You may be involved in the design, specification, set-up, calibration, maintenance and operation of laser systems as well as the development of data collection and analysis procedures for these systems. You will collaborate closely with staff within the DEHE and Combat Casualty Care and Operational Medicine Directorates at NAMRU-SA.

Why should I apply?

You may have the opportunity to be involved in research activities that will expand your knowledge in the following areas:

• Operation, repair, and maintenance a variety of laser systems.
• Designing and constructing optical systems to deliver laser energy to specified targets that satisfy defined specifications.
• Developing electronic and optoelectronic control systems for precise delivery of laser energy.
• Performing laser beam characterization and dosimetry.
• Generating documentation on equipment operation and maintenance.
• Generating documentation on optical system components, laser calibration and alignment procedures.
• Providing training to other engineers.

Where will I be located?

San Antonio, Texas

What is the anticipated start date? 

NAMRU-SA 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 will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length?

This appointment is a 12-month, full time 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 NAMRU-SA. 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 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 is a U.S. Citizen who is currently pursuing a B.S. or M.S. degree in applied mathematics, physical science or engineering, or has obtained such a degree within 12 months of the application submission date. The highly qualified candidate will have a thorough knowledge of advanced physics principles of electromagnetic energy and have coursework and laboratory experience related to laser energy.  

The highly qualified candidate will have experience in the following:

• Proficient in troubleshooting, component replacement, and calibration of lasers according to vendor specifications.
• Ability to build optical systems per customer defined specifications.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams with program managers, scientists, and engineers for experiment development and execution.
• Experience working with external suppliers to ensure timely delivery of critical optical hardware.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Interim Secret clearance required, with ability to obtain a Secret clearance.

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. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted. 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 navy@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity NAMRU-SA-2024-0003 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 or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (29 )