MRICD AI/OCR Notebook Digitization Internship - Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Level

Zintellect; Maryland; On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance Supplement

Relocation Allowance

Training and Travel Allowance

Job summary

A research institute located in Gunpowder, Maryland, seeks participants for a project focused on digitizing historical research notebooks using AI and OCR techniques. As an ORISE participant, you will gain valuable experience in machine learning, data management, and software development, supporting key research efforts. Appointments initially last for one year with the potential for extensions based on project needs. Stipends and additional provisions, including health insurance and relocation allowances, are provided.

Qualifications

• Experience with AI and machine learning techniques.
• Familiarity with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) methods.
• Background in data management and analysis.
• Ability to help develop software tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing AI models for image and handwriting recognition.
• Implement and optimize OCR techniques.
• Participate in data digitization and ensure data quality.
• Analyze digitized data for research insights.
• Present findings to the research team in reports and presentations.

Skills

AI/Machine Learning

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Data Digitization

Data Management

Software Development

Data Analysis

Liquid Handling Robots

Presentation of Results

Education

Participant’s academic standing

Tools

Python

OCR engines

Job description

What will I be doing?

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will contribute to a cutting‑edge project focused on digitizing historical research notebooks using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) techniques. This research project aims to preserve valuable research data and make it more accessible for current and future research efforts in chemical defense.

Why should I apply?

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 including but not limited to:

• AI/Machine Learning: Assist in developing and training AI models for image recognition, handwriting recognition, and data extraction from digitized notebooks.
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR): Implement and optimize OCR techniques to convert handwritten text into machine‑readable format. Evaluate and compare different OCR engines.
• Data Digitization: Participate in the digitization process of historical research notebooks, ensuring data integrity and quality control.
• Data Management: Assist in the organization, structuring, and cataloging of digitized data.
• Software Development: Contribute to the development of software tools and workflows for notebook digitization and data analysis.
• Data Analysis: Analyze the digitized data to identify trends, patterns, and insights relevant to chemical defense research.
• Liquid Handling Robots: Program and optimize robots for sample preparation.
• Presentation of Results: Present your findings and contributions in reports and presentations to the research team.

In addition, the opportunity exists to participate in an analytical chemistry lab and contribute to publications and presentations based on the results.

Where will I be located?

Gunpowder, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

October 1, 2025. 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?

Appointments are initially for one year with the option to extend the appointment for up to four additional years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.

What are the provisions?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by USAMRICD. 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

About USAMRICD

The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) is the Department of Defense's lead laboratory for medical chemical defense research. As a subordinate element of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC), the institute conducts research for development of medical countermeasures to treat exposure to various chemical threat agents for protection of soldiers and civilians. Scientific disciplines at USAMRICD include, but are not limited to, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, neuroscience, toxicology, physiology, psychology, and immunology.

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 ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.