DEVCOM-SC Microorganisms Mitigation and Detection Research

How To Apply

Click on Organization: U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Reference Code: DEVCOM-SC-R

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

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Soldier Center (DEVCOM-SC) is offering a full-time fellowship opportunity researching microorganisms in field settings.

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant at DEVCOM-SC, you will join a community of scientists, engineers and researchers in a research study investigating the storage stability of a novel bacteriophage technology at military‑relevant environmental conditions.

Foodborne illness outbreaks due to exposure to pathogenic microorganisms are a serious problem for service members in various field settings and can easily result in large numbers of warfighters getting sick and being unable to perform their mission. Research conducted by the Food Protection and Innovative Packaging Team (FPIPT) includes evaluating technology for detection and mitigation of microorganisms in military‑relevant field settings.

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:

• Sampling, data collection and data analysis over time tracking the storage study trends
• Investigation of the bacteriophage excipient and its relationship to a mammalian cell culture host model
• Research of mammalian cell cultures
• RT‑qPCR analyzing and investigating potential gene expression changes in the host model after exposure to bacteriophage carried in varying excipients

Natick, Massachusetts

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.

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.

You will receive a stipend determined by DEVCOM‑SC. The stipend range for this opportunity is $5,833 – $7,333 per month based on full‑time participation. 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 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 a favorable outcome of the investigation.

The U.S. Combat Capabilities Development Command – Soldier Center (DEVCOM SC) is located at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Massachusetts, under the Army’s Futures Command. Stretching back to 1954, the DEVCOM Soldier Center’s history of support for the Soldier has continued uninterrupted for more than six decades, with a focus on Soldier‑related research, development, testing and evaluation efforts.

If soldiers wear it, eat it, sleep under it, or have it airdropped to them in theater, it can be traced back to the DEVCOM Soldier Center. Diverse expertise comprised of scientists, engineers, technologists and equipment designers, the DEVCOM Soldier Center provides a wide range of capabilities to the Soldier, including field feeding and life support systems, protective clothing, precision airdrop systems, ballistic, chemical and laser‑protection systems, and human performance optimization.

More information about DEVCOM‑SC can be found at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated…