In Vitro Toxicology - Post-Bachelor Internship

Reference Code

DEVCOM-CBC-2025-0007

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted on Zintellect.com

Description

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering post-bachelor's internships at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM-CBC).

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 in an effort to implement cutting-edge in vitro technologies to characterize the toxicological effects of emerging chemical and biological threats. The capabilities you will participate in will include target/receptor-based screening and target characterization to identify mechanisms of toxicity and relative potency of new threats, and microphysiological systems (organs-on-chips) for functional characterization of organ toxicity and in vitro ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) assays to support human extrapolation of data. This will include the analysis and interpretation of multiomics data generated from the organ chip tissues.

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. These include, but are not limited to:

• Automated and semi-automated patch clamp platforms to screen electrophysiological response of human tissues and relative potency of threats at target ion and ligand-gated channels
• Neurotoxicity platforms to assess the electrophysiological response of agent exposed nerve cells networked on microelectrode arrays, and to measure blood brain barrier permeability

Throughout this internship, you will gain a strong understanding of, and experience with, commonly used techniques and assays in in vitro toxicology. You will become familiar with complex in vitro systems, such as organ-on-a-chip, automated electrophysiology platforms, and neurotoxicology models. Lastly, you will have the opportunity to generate and properly analyze data that will be used to predict toxicities of compounds of interest.

Where will I be located?

Gunpowder, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

01/05/2026

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 will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length?

This appointment is a 12-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.

What are the provisions?

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

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM-CBC) is the primary Department of Defense technical organization for non-medical chemical and biological defense. (DEVCOM-CBC) activities at the Edgewood portion of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, provide an extraordinary capability against emerging biological and chemical threats by merging intelligence assessments with its world-renowned chemistry, biology, physiology and engineering expertise at every stage of the acquisition life cycle. We provide a unique blend of distinguished scientists and engineers for the research and development of innovative technological solutions to solve chemical and biological defense threats to our nation—both abroad and on the homeland.

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 will have a bachelor's degree in cellular and molecular biology, immunology, infectious diseases, microbiology, toxicology or virology.  Degree must have been received within 5 years of the appointment start date.

Highly competitive candidates will have a background in tissue culture and aseptic technique. Experience in microbiology and toxicology will be considered.

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.
• One Recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) 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 ARMY-RDECOM@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [DEVCOM-CBC-2025-0007] in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. 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.

Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

Stipend

$3,845.67 – $4,358.17 Monthly

Point of Contact

Richard

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (6 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age