Aerosol Science Research Fellowship
Reference Code
DEVCOM-CBC-2026-0005
How to Apply
Application must be submitted on Zintellect.com
Description
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a graduate or postdoctoral research fellowship. As a research fellow, you will join a community of scientists to support our mission to conduct innovative research and development to address existing and future defense-related challenges.
What will I be doing?
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM-CBC) specializes aerosol characterization of threat materials and environmental backgrounds. DEVCOM-CBC's aerosol characterization research spans the entire spectrum from aerosol generation, collection, transport & dispersion, deposition and reaerosolization. DEVCOM-CBC evaluates emerging technologies and materials for its capability to protect, collect, sample and detect aerosols in a variety of environments such as laboratory and outdoor settings. Studies may include dynamic environmental factors, surface dependent features as well as toxicology studies to fully characterize aerosol threat materials.
As an ORISE fellow, you will have the opportunity to engage with the DEVCOM-CBC staff as they provide expertise in methodology development for aerosol threat characterization. You will gain experience participating alongside teams establishing new aerosol methodologies and providing expertise in bioaerosol collection and sampling techniques. You will have the opportunity to participate across multiple discipline areas, including but not limited to: biological sciences, respiratory protection, biological detection and decontamination.
Why should I apply?
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will broaden your experience with many different problem-sets across several areas in the chemical and biological defense space. You will have the opportunity to participate within a variety of research experiments led by DEVCOM-CBC research scientists. Through these experiences, it is anticipated that you will learn how to:
- Operate and develop custom aerosol generation equipment including software modifications for associated chambers.
- Operate, troubleshoot and integrate chemical and biological sensors and protective equipment.
- Analyze data from both aerosol ground truth and detection equipment.
Where will I be located?
Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
DEVCOM-CBC is ready to make appointments immediately. 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 fellowships 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 completed within the past 5 years, or currently be pursuing, a Doctoral degree in the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Biological Defense, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, or similar.
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 Doctoral degree in the above fields within ten years of the desired start date are also eligible.
Highly competitive candidates will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- Aerosol science
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Respiratory protection masks
- Aerosol collection
- Biological detection
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-2026-0005] 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.
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Stipend
$7,000.00 – $7,500.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
- Discipline(s):
- Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).