Biology Research Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Natick (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance Supplement

Training and Travel Allowance

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is offering a 12-month, full-time research fellowship hosted by DEVCOM-SC at Natick, MA. The fellow will join a community of scientists performing organoid/cell biology research, including organoid models, nutritional physiology, and immune modulation to support gut-health projects.

Start date is August 2026; a stipend is provided (range $75,000–$83,000 annually) depending on academic standing and location.

Qualifications

• US citizenship required.
• Master's or Doctoral degree completed; disciplines aligned with eligibility.
• Degree received within 5 years of appointment start date.
• 3D organoid cell culture procedures experience preferred.
• Experience with organoid biology and nutrition research desirable.

Responsibilities

• Engage in organoid/cell biology research activities.
• Establish intestinal organoid in vitro models to test hypotheses.
• Apply molecular assays (qPCR, ELISA), -omics, AI/ML where applicable.
• Contribute to data analysis, scientific manuscripts, and presentations.

Skills

Organoid culture

Cell culture

qPCR

ELISA

Biostatistics

AI/ML

Scientific writing

Confocal imaging

Education

Master's or Doctoral degree

Tools

Confocal microscopy

Bioinformatics

Omics

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Reference Code

DEVCOM-SC-2026-0003

Description

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a Master's or Doctoral research fellowship.

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 engaging in organoid/cell biology research activities including, but not limited to, nutritional physiology, immune system modulation, and gastrointestinal cell culture to support gut health-related projects. Primary techniques and approaches will include establishing intestinal organoid in vitro models to test hypotheses relating to mechanisms response of intestinal epithelial cells in response to military relevant stressors, and in identifying nutritional countermeasures. Various methods including molecular assay techniques (e.g. qPCR, ELISA, confocal microscopy, -omics, immunoblots), biostatistics, AI/ML experience/mastery, organ-on-chip technologies, and the equipment will be utilized to accomplish research in the above areas.

Why should I apply?

Education

• Developing skills in planning and conducting 3D organoid cell culture procedures.
• Gaining experience carrying out research studies in organoid biology and nutrition
• Participating in presentations, briefings, scientific manuscripts, and data analysis.

Where will I be located?

Natick, Massachusetts

What is the anticipated start date?

August 2026

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 appointment length?

This appointment is a 12-month, full-time 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 provisions?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by DEVCOM-SC. 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

About DEVCOM-SC

The U.S. Army 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, DEVCOM-SC'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-SC. Diverse expertise comprised of scientists, engineers, technologists and equipment designers. DEVCOM-SC provides a wide range of capabilities to the Soldier, to include field feeding and life support systems, protective clothing, precision airdrop systems, and ballistic, chemical and laser-protection systems, and human performance optimization.

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 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 is a US citizen who will have completed a Master's or Doctoral degree in any of the disciplines listed in the opportunity’s Eligibility criteria. Degree must have been received within 5 years of the appointment start date.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with cell culture skills (human or animal models) with an emphasis on organoid and stem cell biology
• Analytical and molecular techniques (i.e. qPCR, ELISA, multiplex genomic and proteomic assays)
• Bioengineering or familiarity with different cell-based biotechnology platforms
• Biostatistics
• Confocal imaging
• Scientific writing
• AI/ML experience

Stipend

$75,000.00 – $83,000.00 Yearly

Point of Contact

Richard

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 8/31/2026 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):

• Life Health and Medical Sciences
• Basic Biomedical Sciences
• Bioinformatics
• Biology (General)
• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Comparative Medicine and Laboratory Animal Medicine
• Food Sciences and Technology
• Genetics, including Genome Sciences
• Immunology
• Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology
• Microbiology
• Nutritional Sciences
• Physiology
• Toxicology