What are the responsibilities and job description for the Canine Olfaction Fellowship at DEVCOM - Chemical Biological Center position at U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)?
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering fellowships at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC).
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 in an effort to gain hands-on experience with working dogs, chemical and biological laboratory techniques, and learn how Olfactory Science sits at the intersection of a wide variety of scientific disciplines and potential career paths.
Why should I apply?
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to 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 research experiments to determine the olfactory limit of detection of military working dogs (MWDs) such as developing skills in the area of deploying biological sensors, increasing knowledge of olfactory sciences, and gaining hands-on experience on how to perform canine research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E).
- Learning how to write standard operating protocols (SOPs), finding and adhering to regulatory and legal requirements inherent to animal research, operating canine detection equipment, and interacting with MWDs and their handlers.
- Troubleshooting and integrating detection equipment.
- Analyzing data from canine studies and writing reports and publications synthesizing the results.
- Learning about laboratory safety requirements, quality control procedures, and acceptance criteria.
Where will I be located?
Edgewood, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
June 2023. 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 12-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.
What are the benefits?
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:
- Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
- Relocation Allowance
- Training and Travel Allowance
About DEVCOM CBC
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Chemical Biological Center provides an extraordinary capability against emerging biological and chemical threats by merging intelligence assessments with its world-renowned expertise. We provide a unique blend of distinguished scientists and engineers to research and analyze the emerging threats and technological advances. For more information about DEVCOM CBC, please visit https://www.cbc.devcom.army.mil.
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 have an associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree or will have completed their degree by August 30, 2023, in animal science, biology, chemistry, analytical chemistry, or biochemistry. 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:
- Enthusiastic with “can-do” attitude
- Ability to participate on occasional weekends
- Experience with scientific writing and willing to provide a writing sample
- Experience with animals in a laboratory, training, and/or research setting (must love dogs)
- Laboratory research experience (analytical chemistry preferably)
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Ability to conduct activities independently as well as collaborate multiple team members
- Organized and able to perform compliance tasks
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.
- Two recommendations. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until two recommendations are submitted. We encourage you to contact your recommenders 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-RDECOM@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity DEVCOM-CBC-2023-0001 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!
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 8/30/2023 11:59:00 PM.
- Discipline(s):
- Life Health and Medical Sciences
- Other Physical Sciences
