What are the responsibilities and job description for the DCPH-A Pesticide Use and Resistance Monitoring (PURM) in Mosquitoes Research Internship position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
DCPH-A-2025-0003
How To Apply
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
Description
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering undergraduate internship at the Defense Health Agency's Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen (DHA's-DCPH-A).
What will I be doing?
As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant and under the guidance of a mentor, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to work closely with the Pesticide Use and Resistance Monitoring (PURM) team to establish the capability of larval testing for Insecticide Resistance (IR) in mosquitoes. This research project is a valuable opportunity to develop knowledge in insecticide resistance monitoring, laboratory techniques, and data analysis. By contributing to this effort, you will directly impact our understanding of mosquito populations and help develop effective strategies to protect the health and readiness of our service members.
Project Description
Mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus, pose a significant threat to the health and readiness of service members. Mosquito control is a critical component of force health protection, as it helps to prevent the spread of these diseases and aids in maintaining the readiness of service members. Insecticide resistance (IR) is a concern for mosquito control because it removes or limits the effectiveness of traditional control methods.
Larvicides target the larval stage of the mosquito and are an important part of integrated mosquito management. Unfortunately, reliance on the few larvicide active ingredients available on the market has increased the development of resistance, which in turn weakens the ability to provide control. Larval testing is a critical component of resistance monitoring, as it provides information on the aquatic stage of the pest which can provide actionable information for control strategies. Our current capabilities are focused on resistance detection in adult mosquitoes.
Where will I be located?
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
The DCPH-A 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 or fellowships 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 provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by DCPH-A. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:
While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with DoD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.
About DCPH-A
DHA's Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen's mission is to enhance Army readiness by identifying and assessing current and emerging health threats, developing and communicating public health solutions, and assuring the quality and effectiveness of the Army's Public Health Enterprise. Their vision is to be a world-class provider of public health services across the Army and DOD. For more information about the DCPH-A, please visit About Us - Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen.
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.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate will have a bachelor's or master's degree in Entomology, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or other eligible discipline, or is a current student pursuing an eligible discipline with an anticipated degree completion by June 1, 2027. Degree must have been received within 60 months 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 bachelor's or master's degree within ten years of the desired start date are also eligible.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
A complete application consists of:
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!
Point of Contact
Kimberly
Eligibility Requirements">1 )
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
DCPH-A-2025-0003
How To Apply
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
Description
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering undergraduate internship at the Defense Health Agency's Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen (DHA's-DCPH-A).
What will I be doing?
As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant and under the guidance of a mentor, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to work closely with the Pesticide Use and Resistance Monitoring (PURM) team to establish the capability of larval testing for Insecticide Resistance (IR) in mosquitoes. This research project is a valuable opportunity to develop knowledge in insecticide resistance monitoring, laboratory techniques, and data analysis. By contributing to this effort, you will directly impact our understanding of mosquito populations and help develop effective strategies to protect the health and readiness of our service members.
Project Description
Mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus, pose a significant threat to the health and readiness of service members. Mosquito control is a critical component of force health protection, as it helps to prevent the spread of these diseases and aids in maintaining the readiness of service members. Insecticide resistance (IR) is a concern for mosquito control because it removes or limits the effectiveness of traditional control methods.
Larvicides target the larval stage of the mosquito and are an important part of integrated mosquito management. Unfortunately, reliance on the few larvicide active ingredients available on the market has increased the development of resistance, which in turn weakens the ability to provide control. Larval testing is a critical component of resistance monitoring, as it provides information on the aquatic stage of the pest which can provide actionable information for control strategies. Our current capabilities are focused on resistance detection in adult mosquitoes.
Where will I be located?
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
The DCPH-A 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 or fellowships 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 provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by DCPH-A. 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)
- Relocation Allowance
- Training and Travel Allowance
While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with DoD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.
About DCPH-A
DHA's Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen's mission is to enhance Army readiness by identifying and assessing current and emerging health threats, developing and communicating public health solutions, and assuring the quality and effectiveness of the Army's Public Health Enterprise. Their vision is to be a world-class provider of public health services across the Army and DOD. For more information about the DCPH-A, please visit About Us - Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen.
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.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate will have a bachelor's or master's degree in Entomology, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or other eligible discipline, or is a current student pursuing an eligible discipline with an anticipated degree completion by June 1, 2027. Degree must have been received within 60 months 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 bachelor's or master's degree within ten years of the desired start date are also eligible.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Experience with laboratory techniques to include pipette use and solution preparation
- Experience with data collection and analysis
- Strong communication skills
- Knowledge of general entomology
- Experience with MS Excel
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.
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!
Point of Contact
Kimberly
Eligibility Requirements">1 )
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2027 12:00:00 AM.
- Minimum Overall GPA: 3.50
- Discipline(s):
- Chemistry and Materials Sciences (
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