DCPH-A Military Deployment Environmental Health and Remote Sensing Internship

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering an internship/fellowship for eligible applicants with a bachelor's or master's degree at the Defense Health Agency's Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen (DHA's-DCPH-A).

What will I be doing?

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant and under the guidance of a mentor, you will join a community of scientists and researchers to support your educational and professional goals. As the selected participant, you will learn about public health, environmental health risk assessment, military deployment health, and/or environmental exposure assessment and surveillance. This opportunity is aimed at furthering knowledge of military deployment health risk assessment and the use of satellite based remote sensing for exposure assessment.

Where will I be located?

Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

The DCPH-A 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 internships or fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length?

This is a12-month, full time appointment. 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 range for this opportunity is $4700.00 - $5800.00/month. 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

Security Clearance 

While participants will not enter 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 

DHA's Defense Centers for Public Health - Aberdeen's mission is to enhance DHA readiness by identifying and assessing current and emerging health threats, developing and communicating public health solutions, and assuring the quality and effectiveness of the DHA's Public Health Enterprise. Their vision is to be a world-class provider of public health services across DOD.  For more information about the DCPH-A, please visit ARMY-PHC@orise.orau.gov.

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 be currently pursuing or will have received a bachelor's or master's degree or higher in public health, environmental science, civil engineering, chemical engineering or environmental engineering by August 31, 2026. Postgraduate degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.  

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

• Familiarity with Python or R and their related data analysis packages.
• Excellent critical thinking skills and be detail oriented.
• Be familiar with environmental risk assessment or environmental science principles.
• Be familiar with occupational or environmental exposure assessment.
• Experience with excel and have familiarity with databases (especially DOEHRS and/or Oracle business objects).
• Experience with oral communication and presentation.
• Experience with technical writing.

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 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-PHC@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [DCPH-A-2025-0021] 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!