Vector Biology (Tick Surveillance) Internship

The U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) is offering an internship with the Operational Support Branch's Medical Entomology Laboratory, Epidemiology Consult Service in the Public Health and Preventive Medicine Department at USAFSAM; in the 711th Human Performance Wing of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. The Medical Entomology Laboratory primarily provides identification, analysis and applied research of surveillance samples submitted by Public Health personnel.

As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to conduct tick surveillance activities at up to eight U.S. Air Force bases, evaluating for changes in native tick distributions, and/or the introduction of invasive tick species. You will have the opportunity to gain experience and/or learn a variety of methodologies under the guidance of a mentor, including:

This opportunity involves seasonal travel to up to eight U.S. Air Force bases (TBD) for a week or more at a time and extensive field work during different parts of the year in a variety of environments. You will plan and coordinate the trips and the base sampling efforts with Public Health, Pest Managers, Wildlife Biologists, Natural Resource Managers and other relevant personnel at the chosen bases (TBD). Funding is available for conference attendance and/or training opportunities.

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:

 

Dayton, OH

USAFSAM 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 will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

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.

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

The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) is a unique combination of two units: the Airman Systems Directorate (RH) and the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). USAFSAM is the premier institute for research, education, and worldwide operational consultation in Aerospace Medicine. USAFSAM has guided the advancement of aerospace medicine and human performance from the beginnings of aviation through the onset of the space age and into the present, and is the oldest continually operating institution of its kind. It is also host to the largest aeromedical library in the world. For more information about the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, please visit https://www.wpafb.af.mil/afrl/711hpw/USAFSAM/. 

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.

Preferred qualifications: 

Highly competitive applicants will have: