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

The U.S. Army Public Health Command - Atlantic (PHC-A) is offering an associates/bachelor's level internship at the Fort George G. Meade installation. PHC-A ensures the health and readiness of Warfighters, DA Civilians, Beneficiaries and DoD-owned animals through comprehensive Public Health Services across 26 States, Cuba, and Puerto Rico in support of global force health protection.

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers at the Army Public Health Command - Atlantic. The research focus is vector-borne disease analysis on tick and mosquito samples received from Army installations within a 26-state region of the northeastern U.S. 

Why should I apply?

As the selected candidate, this internship provides you an opportunity to engage in entomological studies and surveys to include preparation and molecular analysis of arthropod specimens as well as related laboratory operations. You will gain unique experience and knowledge in mosquito, tick, and other medically important organism identification, vector ecology, emerging vector-borne diseases, good laboratory practices, record keeping, data entry, and data analysis.

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:

• Receive, log, sort, and identify arthropod (ticks and mosquitoes) and related specimens for laboratory analysis using techniques such as RNA and DNA isolation
• Complete the data entry of logged samples into an automated laboratory Information system
• Participate in the reporting, to sample submitters, testing results
• Learn the process for analyzing results and determining the relative threat of vector-borne diseases to the military forces

What is the anticipated start date?

PHC-A is prepared to begin this internship in April 2023; however, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the internship will be filled as a qualified candidates is identified. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. 

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.

Participant Benefits

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by PHC-A. 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.

About PHC-A

The Public Health Command-Atlantic (PHC-A), Entomological Sciences Division (ESD), provides vector-borne disease surveillance guidance and coordinates the submission of arthropod samples from Army installations within a 26-state region of the northeastern U.S. The ESD works closely with the Laboratory Sciences Division (LSD) to characterize disease threats through vector identification and testing for pathogens.

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.

Highly competitive applicants for this internship will have completed or complete by May 31, 2023, an associate's or bachelor's in biology or closely related field. In addition, preferred candidates should possess the following attributes:

• Strong organizational skills with emphasis on maintaining orderly systems, processes and records.  
• Keen observational skills to monitor experiment results.
• Ability to understand and follow procedures, ask questions of managing scientists, and communicate findings in written reports.
• Interest in working with sophisticated analytical instruments and learning new software.
• Ability to maintain focus while performing repetitive tasks.
• Interest and ability to work with microscopic equipment and learning laboratory information software.

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
• Recommendation(s)

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 include reference code PHC-A-2023-0001 in the subject line of the email.

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

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/31/2023 11:59:00 PM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (16 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (2 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (1 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (27 )