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The U.S. Air Force David Grant Medical Center (DGMC) Clinical Investigation Facility (CIF) located at Travis Air Force Base in California is offering a post-bachelor's fellowship opportunity in Advanced Molecular Diagnostics. 

What will I be doing?

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join teams of researchers and medical professionals that comprise the DGMC flagship military medical treatment facility. One of the most exciting and unique components of DGMC is the Air Force Clinical Investigation Facility. At the CIF, you will have the opportunity to participate in cutting edge medical research, ranging from trauma resuscitation to sepsis treatment in space. As one of three CIFs in the Air Force, the CIF at DGMC is the only one that proudly partners with the United States Space Force and NASA. In support of space related medical research, the CIF is currently conducting several Space/Austere Medicine Mission projects.

Why should I apply?

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:

• Learning pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical aspects of interpreting complex human biological material for specialized molecular genetic analysis.
• Gaining experience in all aspects of molecular testing that focuses on nucleic acid (DNA/RNA) extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) assays. 
• Learning how to maintain specimen identification in accordance with the specific conditions required for specimen integrity and preservation as well as ensure that specimens are ready for interpretation. 
• Building knowledge in processing specimens for DNA extraction, amplifying genomic regions of interest with PCR, and performing NGS as well as learning how to maintain the NGS systems. 
• Developing procedures to test problems and to evaluate published methods and techniques for the molecular pathology laboratory.
• Investigating new biomarkers emerging in the molecular community and researching new testing methodologies through clinical assays and the validation of those assays.
• Participating in writing reports and other documentation related to results of studies and for inclusion in recommendations for manuals and procedural changes. 

What is the anticipated start date?

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 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 USAF DGMC-CIF. 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)
• Training and Travel Allowance
• Relocation Allowance 

About USAF DGMC:

David Grant USAF Medical Center is a state-of-the-art medical facility that was completed in 1988. The 60th Medical Group at David Grant U.S. Air Force Medical Center is at the forefront of military and regional healthcare facilities. Named after Maj. Gen. (Dr.) David Norvell Walker Grant, the first air surgeon of the U.S. Army Air Corps and U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, DGMC is the flagship of 75 military treatment facilities in the Air Force Medical Service. It provides a full spectrum of care to a prime service area of more than 130,000 TRICARE eligible patients in the immediate San Francisco-Sacramento vicinity and 500,000 Department of Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System patients, covering more than 40,000 square miles and 17 counties. A staff of more than 2,400 military and civilian personnel work at David Grant USAF Medical Center. More information is available at: https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/DHA-GME/Institutions/David-Grant

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.

Qualified candidates will have an earned bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, bioinformatics, cellular and molecular biology, epidemiology or other eligible STEM discipline.  Degree must have been awarded within 60 months of the application date. Veterans with a bachelor's degree in one of the qualifying STEM disciplines within 10 years of application date are eligible to apply. 

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

• Experience in a laboratory setting

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. 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 AIRFORCE@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [USAF-DGMC-CIF-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 received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).