Medical Entomology Internship at U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
The US Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) has a medical entomology internship opportunity open to those who are currently pursuing or have obtained an undergraduate degree or master's degree in the field of biology or a related discipline. The USAFSAM medical entomology program provides warfighters with timely, actionable information about vector-borne and zoonotic disease threats in their areas of operation. Our support of the Public Health mission allows our customers to make evidence-based force health protection recommendations anywhere in the world.
What will I be doing?
As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to provide surveillance support primarily by identifying medically important arthropods received by the laboratory such as mosquitoes and ticks. The medical entomology laboratory receives public health surveillance samples from Air and Space Force installations worldwide.
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:
- Gain experience with a taxonomic key and microscope to identify arthropods such as mosquitoes and ticks to species
- Use slide mounting or molecular methods such as DNA barcoding to help identify unknown damaged or novel specimens
- Support testing arthropod samples for vector-borne and zoonotic disease agents
- Engage with other tasks in support of vector-borne and zoonotic disease surveillance and epidemiology projects
Where will I be located?
Dayton, Ohio
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?
An ORISE appointment period can be a short-term (less than 2 weeks), summer (10-12 weeks), or yearlong appointment. 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 USAFSAM. 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 USAFSAM
The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) is a unique combination of three units: the Airman Systems Directorate (RH), the US Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) and the Human Systems Integration Directorate (HP). USAFSAM is the premier institute for research, education, and worldwide operational consultation in Aerospace Medicine. USAFSAM has guided the advancement of aerospace medicine and human performance from the beginnings of aviation through the onset of the space age and into the present, and is the oldest continually operating institution of its kind. It is also host to the largest aeromedical library in the world. This internship is with the Medical Entomology Program, Epidemiology Consult Service at USAFSAM, in the 711th Human Performance Wing of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. USAFSAM is also part of the Defense Centers for Public Health - Dayton.
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 be currently pursuing or have obtained an undergraduate degree or master's degree in the field of biology or a related discipline such as entomology, zoology, life sciences, ecology, public health or another science field. Academic coursework such as entomology, biology, zoology, molecular biology, parasitology, genetics, microbiology, virology, or related disciplines is preferred. Degree must be obtained within five years of the appointment start date.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in identification of arthropods.
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 USAFSAM-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: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 6/30/2027 12:00:00 AM.
- Discipline(s):
- Age: Must be 18 years of age
ORISE GO
The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!
