Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
AFIT-2025-0022
How To Apply
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
Description
The Air Force Institute of Technology is offering a Post-Master's or Post-Doctoral Biocontaminants Research Internship/Fellowship opportunity at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
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 evaluate the fate of biological contaminants present in water and wastewater. This study will evaluate phylogenetic composition, adsorption, bioaerosol formation, and fate in treatment systems. Biocontaminants of interest include spore-forming bacteria and viruses.
Why should I apply?
Education
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:
• Participate in collecting data using modern microbiological techniques
• Gain experience in conducting statistical analysis
• Gain experience in utilizing software platforms
• Develop skills in summarizing experimental findings by preparing illustrations using figures and tables
• Describing methodologies and results in oral and written form
Where will I be located? Dayton, Ohio
What is the anticipated start date?
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 opportunity is an eight-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 provisions?
Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by AFIT. Stipends are typically based on the 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 AFIT
AFIT's mission is to help build America's airpower, by educating military and civilian Airmen to innovatively accomplish the Air Force's core missions, in support of joint operations, more effectively, efficiently, sustainably and affordably. We provide unique defense-focused, research-enabled, multi-disciplinary advanced academic education, as well as globally delivering career-long, action-based, functional professional continuing education, over a continuum of learning, on-command and on-demand. Our success is measured by the career-long contributions of our graduates, faculty and staff. AFIT accomplishes this mission through four schools: the Graduate School of Engineering and Management.
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 have earned a master's or doctoral degree in microbiology, biochemistry, or other eligible STEM discipline within 60 months of application date or will receive the degree by January 1, 2026.
Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:
• Course work in organic chemistry, cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and/or protein purification.
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(s) 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 AIRFORCE@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [AFIT-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!
Point of Contact
Leslie
Eligibility Requirements">12 )
• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 1/1/2026 11:59:00 PM.
• Discipline(s):
• Chemistry and Materials Sciences (<a href="#" data-bs-toggle="popover" tabindex="0" role="button" data-bs-title="Chemistry and Materials Sciences" data-bs-content="• Analytical Chemistry
• Bio-inorganic Chemistry
• Bio-organic Chemistry
• Biophysical Chemistry
• Chemistry (General)
• Environmental Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Materials Sciences
• Organic Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Polymer Chemistry
• Theoretical Chemistry
• Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
• Earth and Geosciences (1 )
• Engineering (2 )
• Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
