WRAIR - Entomology Post Bachelor's Internship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 22,320 - 33,480; 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 offers a post bachelor’s internship at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command in Silver Spring, Maryland. Interns will participate with researchers focusing on arthropod-borne disease vectors and gain experience in scientific communication, data interpretation, and laboratory techniques. A stipend of $2,000 to $3,000 monthly is provided. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields earned within the last 24 months.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree must have been received within 24 months of the appointment start date.
• Participants do not enter an employee/employer relationship with ORISE.
• Proof of health insurance is required for participation.

Responsibilities

• Participate directly with researchers in the Entomology Department.
• Process samples collected during bio-surveillance operations.
• Conduct literature reviews to compile information and data.

Skills

Understanding of scientific research

Experience using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools

Strong interest in science communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in entomology, microbiology, or related field

Job description

Overview

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a post bachelor’s internship at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command - Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (USAMRDC WRAIR).

Responsibilities

• As the selected candidate, you will participate directly with researchers who are part of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) Entomology Department team. The Entomology Department focuses on emerging threats from arthropod-borne disease vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks.
• Learn all aspects of current research including laboratory protocols, data analysis, and conducting literature reviews.
• Process samples collected during bio-surveillance operations (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks) to include DNA extraction, sequencing and sequence analysis.
• Conduct literature reviews to compile information and data in support of knowledge product development (Evaluation of Environmental Exposures and Threats (E3T) reports and Walter Reed Arthropod Intelligence Threat Hub (WRAITH)).
• Engage in microscopy training to identify arthropods using morphological keys.
• Network with all members of the Entomology team to learn about additional research efforts.
• Gain experience in standard laboratory techniques for arthropod processing, including sample collection, preservation, and preparation for molecular analysis, DNA extraction and sequencing procedures.
• Learn the principles of scientific communication and data interpretation.

Location

Silver Spring, Maryland

Start date

October 1, 2025. Start dates will be determined at the time of selection in coordination with the chosen candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internships or fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

Appointment details

This appointment is a seven-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 participant availability.

Provisions

• Stipend to be determined by WRAIR. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location.
• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About WRAIR

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) aims to conduct biomedical research that is responsive to Department of Defense and U.S. Army requirements and delivers lifesaving products including knowledge, technology and medical material that sustain the combat effectiveness of the warfighter. WRAIR provides unique research capabilities and innovative medical solutions to a range of Force Health Protection and Readiness challenges currently facing U.S. Service Members, along with threats anticipated during future operations. These research opportunities include ongoing efforts to identify and treat traumatic brain injury as well as to understand and mitigate the deleterious effects of repeated exposures to blast.

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.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in entomology, microbiology, artificial intelligence, scientific computing, or other eligible discipline. Degree must have been received within 24 months of the appointment start date.

• Understanding of scientific research.
• Experience using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
• Strong interest in science communication.

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• Two Recommendations. We encourage you to contact your recommenders as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

If you have questions, send an email to [e-mail]. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [MRDC-WRAIR-2025-0017] in the subject line of the email. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing. Please do not send application materials to the email address above.

Stipend
$2,000.00 – $3,000.00 Monthly

Point of Contact
Brittany

Eligibility Requirements

Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only

Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 24 month(s).

Discipline(s):

• Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (including Artificial Intelligence (Robotics, Computer Vision, Human Language Processing, and Machine Learning))
• Databases, Information Retrieval, and Web Search
• Scientific Computing and Informatics

Life Health and Medical Sciences