DCPH-A Summer 2025 Blast Overpressure (BOP) Exposure Limit Research Opportunity

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering internships at the Defense Health Agency's Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen (DHA's-DCPH-A). This research opportunity is with the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Public Health Toxicology supported by the Department of Defense (DoD) Tri Service Toxicology Consortium (TSTC). This research project is focused on Blast Overpressure (BOP) which is a result of an explosive detonation that initiates a blast wave of compressed air (gases) moving at supersonic speed and radiating away from the point of origin. In most land-based BOP events, the propagating blast wave will reflect off surfaces (such as objects, the ground, and structures) resulting in complex blast waves.  Routine training and use of weapon systems (e.g., small arms, mortars, Howitzers, etc.) expose personnel to complex primary blast waves. 

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 collaborating across the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to examine chronic (long-term) and acute (short-term) exposure thresholds for blast overpressure (BOP)

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: 

• Conducting a systematic review and analysis of available data.
• Gaining knowledge about the exposure limit for BOP to protect the Warfighter.
• Improving readiness by reducing the BOP hazard.

Where will I be located?

Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

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? 

This appointment is a full-time, ten-week summer 2025 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 DCPH-A. The stipend for this opportunity ranges from $4000-$5600/month based on full-time participation. Stipends are based on the applicant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location

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 DCPH-A

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) supports our Nation by improving health and building readiness–making extraordinary experiences ordinary and exceptional outcomes routine.  For more information about DHA and the Defense Centers for Public Health (DCPH), please visit https://ph.health.mil/Pages/About.aspx.

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.

The qualified candidate will be pursuing or have received a Bachelor's, Master's or Doctoral degree in Chemistry, BIomedical/Bioengineering, Data Sciences, Biochemistry, Physiology or other eligible discipline.  Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.