COVID-19 Surveillance Testing Internship Opportunity

The overall mission of the United States Army Public Health Center (APHC) is to enhance Army readiness by identifying and assessing current and emerging health threats, developing and communicating public health solutions, and assuring the quality and effectiveness of the Army's Public Health Enterprise. Their vision is to be a world-class provider of public health services across the Army and DOD. The Army Public Health Center Laboratory Sciences provides responsive, comprehensive laboratory science services worldwide as part of the occupational and environmental health assessment and medical surveillance process to support Army readiness. The APHC Laboratory Sciences Directorate has been tasked with providing COVID-19 surveillance analysis of pooled human respiratory samples supporting the Warfighter.

Within this new mission, APHC is providing an ORISE learning opportunity for interested participants to learn and enhance their molecular biology analytical skills such as RNA extractions and real-time PCR methodologies by supporting the testing of asymptomatic military personnel. As such, the Lab Sciences Directorate has been authorized to support several internship opportunities for COVID-19 surveillance testing. Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participant will assist with the surveillance activities through analytical, logistical, and technical support. This includes the receipt of samples, verifying the accuracy of submitted samples, organizing samples for input into the enterprise laboratory information management system (ELIMS), and labeling samples. The participant will also partake in the preparation of reagents and samples, pooling viral transport media from samples, extracting RNA from samples, and RT-PCR analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in nucleic acid material from samples, using SOPs developed to support the COVID-19 surveillance mission. This opportunity also involves entering and reviewing data in ELIMS, assisting with reagent inventory, stocking of supplies, and maintaining scientific equipment.

Please note: The participant will need to complete the necessary training to perform these tasks as well as enroll in the Occupational Health Program.

This appointment is a twelve 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.

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

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

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.

An ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's or master's degree in biology or a biological science, specializing in RNA extractions and PCR analysis.