MRICD Protein Engineering Research Internship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Maryland; On-site; USD 54,750 - 59,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance Supplement

Relocation Allowance

Training and Travel Allowance

Job summary

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is offering a post-bachelor's level internship at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense in Maryland. This role involves screening new enzymes in various laboratory assays and provides participants with invaluable experience in biochemical techniques.

Qualified candidates must possess a relevant bachelor’s degree received within the last five years. The position includes a stipend of $54,750–$59,900 for a 12-month appointment and opportunities to extend. U.S. citizens only.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree received within the last five years.
• U.S. military veterans with an eligible degree are also welcome.

Responsibilities

• Participate in screening new enzymes in various in vitro assays.
• Gain experience in laboratory techniques and instruments.
• Prepare for organophosphorus nerve agent hydrolysis assays.

Skills

Experience in the field of protein science

General laboratory skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or molecular biology

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Reference Code

USAMRDC-MRICD-2026-0009

Description

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a post‑bachelor’s level internship at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD).

Responsibilities

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to focus on screening new enzymes in a variety of in vitro assays. You will gain experience in laboratory techniques and instruments that may include assessment of enzyme concentrations, characterization of enzyme size by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, characterization of polydispersive index (pdi) and hydrodynamic radius (Rh) using dynamic light scattering instruments, enzyme‑based activity assays for developing kinetic constants, thermal denaturation experiments to assess enzyme stability, preparation for organophosphorus nerve agent hydrolysis assays, and other laboratory opportunities when available. You will be encouraged to present posters at scientific meetings.

Location

Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland

Start Date

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.

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.

Provisions

• Stipend: $54,750–$59,900 for a 12‑month appointment
• Health Insurance Supplement (participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

Qualifications

The qualified candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, molecular biology, or other eligible STEM discipline. Degree must have been received within five years 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 degree within ten years of the desired start date are also eligible.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in the field of protein science
• General laboratory skills

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor’s Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
• Discipline(s)
• Chemistry and Materials Sciences
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Bio‑inorganic Chemistry
  • Bio‑organic Chemistry
  • Biophysical Chemistry
  • Chemistry (General)
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Materials Sciences
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Theoretical Chemistry
• Life Health and Medical Sciences
  • Age: Must be 18 years of age
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s)

Point of Contact

Kimberly