Nutrition and Physical Science Research Internship

Description

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering an undergraduate or post-bachelor's internship at the Combat Ration Engineering & Support Team (CREST) within the Combat Feeding Division, Soldier Sustainment Directorate (SSD) at the U.S. Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (DEVCOM-SC) located in Natick, Massachusetts.

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 support the research development test & evaluation of individual and groups serving combat rations. 

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 within the CFD ration sensory evaluation program. You will gain experience in various Project Officers daily operational rations (OPRATs) tasks including:

• Maintaining organization and proper storage of OPRATs sensory evaluation samples.
• Analyzing Defense Working Capital Fund (DWCF) Engineering Support cases within Product Data Management Model Initiative (PDMI).
• Collaborating on creation of sensory reports.
• Collecting and analyzing results of OPRAT storage studies.
• Collecting nutritional data from analysis programs and or analytical reports.
• Participating in the order process for individual and group ration components and ration systems.
• Collaborating with PO's on CFD production tests, ration assembly and Initial Operational Test & Evaluation preparation.

Where will I be located?

Natick, Massachusetts

What is the anticipated 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.

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 benefits? 

You will receive a stipend to be determined by DEVCOM SC. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

Security Clearance 

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with DoD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.

About DEVCOM SC

 The US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Center is a Customer-Driven, Customer-Focused organization, and is internationally known as a preeminent provider of research, development, engineering and integration services in the areas of soldier and squad protection and systems integration, military rations and field feeding equipment, military parachuting and airdrop systems, and expeditionary basing. Through our research in areas such as materials sciences, biochemistry, human performance and human sciences; technology development and integration; and systems engineering, product development and support, the DEVCOM Soldier Center plays a vital role in maximizing the effectiveness of America's military.   The request for participation is within the Combat Feeding Division which focuses on research and development for improvement and creation of new ration components.  For more information about DEVCOM SC, please visit https://www.army.mil/devcom. 

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 into 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 be pursuing a bachelor's degree in food science, nutrition, or physical sciences or will have completed their degree within five years prior to the appointment start date. 

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:

• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Esha Genesis Nutrition Software.

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. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted. 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-SC-2023-0002R 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.