What are the responsibilities and job description for the DCPH-A Pesticide Use and Resistance Monitoring (PURM) in Mosquitoes Research Internship position at Zintellect?
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. The stipend range for this opportunity is $3,900.00-$5,000.00/month. 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
Security Clearance
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.
Salary : $3,900 - $5,000
