Bench-scale Fermentation Optimization Summer Undergraduate Internship at DEVCOM-CBC

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering undergraduate summer internships at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC).

As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to gain insight into the use of genetic engineering to produce synthetic strains of yeast and other microbes, optimize growth and purification conditions, and ultimately increase the production of compounds of interest.

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. During your appointment, you will engage in activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to:

Throughout your participation, you will have the opportunity to advance your general molecular biology skills, scientific communication, methods development, presentation and communication skills. In addition, you will collaborate with a diverse team of researchers with the common goal of harnessing synthetic biology and biomanufacturing to produce critical chemicals and precursors in the newly modernized DEVCOM CBC Biomanufacturing Pilot Scale facility. Knowledge gained through this appointment can be transferred to medium- and large-scale fermentation efforts.

Edgewood, Maryland

June 2023.  Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internships or fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

This appointment is a three-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.

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 benefits may include the following:

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Chemical Biological Center (CCDC-CBC) is the primary Department of Defense technical organization for non-medical chemical and biological defense. (CCDC-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.

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 currently pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree.