What are the responsibilities and job description for the AFRL Biosensors Research Internship (High School) position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
AFRL-711HPW-2026-0005-HS
How To Apply
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
Description
The Air Force Research Laboratory is offering a Biosensors Research Internship for a motivated high school student. This appointment is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional laboratory setting and learn about the exciting fields of biochemistry and biomarker research. The intern will engage closely with AFRL scientists and researchers, gaining exposure to ongoing projects and developing valuable skills.
Why should I apply?
As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to prepare, test and optimize bio-inspired chemical sensors in response to analytes of interest in air. The research team will explore methods to interface with biological sensory system, obtain multiplexed electronic sensing signal, and process the large-scale data. This project will be in support of the Air and Space Biosciences Division in the 711 Human Performance Wing at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
What will I be doing?
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:
Fairborn, 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 will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.
What is the appointment length?
This appointment is a ten-week 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?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by AFIT. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:
The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW), headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is the first human-centric warfare wing to consolidate human performance research, education, and consultation under a single organization. Established under the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the 711 HPW is comprised of the Airman Systems Directorate (RH) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). For more information about the Air Force Research Laboratory, please visit https://afresearchlab.com/.
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 should be currently enrolled in high school (rising junior or senior preferred) and/or receiving high school diploma by August 1 2027.
Preferred Skills
A complete application consists of:
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 )
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
AFRL-711HPW-2026-0005-HS
How To Apply
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
Description
The Air Force Research Laboratory is offering a Biosensors Research Internship for a motivated high school student. This appointment is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional laboratory setting and learn about the exciting fields of biochemistry and biomarker research. The intern will engage closely with AFRL scientists and researchers, gaining exposure to ongoing projects and developing valuable skills.
Why should I apply?
As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to prepare, test and optimize bio-inspired chemical sensors in response to analytes of interest in air. The research team will explore methods to interface with biological sensory system, obtain multiplexed electronic sensing signal, and process the large-scale data. This project will be in support of the Air and Space Biosciences Division in the 711 Human Performance Wing at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
What will I be doing?
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:
- Gaining experience in the design of biohybrid sensors using various waveform generators/analyzers
- Learning gas sensor testbed design and operation
- Developing skills in data optimization
Fairborn, 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 will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.
What is the appointment length?
This appointment is a ten-week 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?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by AFIT. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:
- Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
- Relocation Allowance
- Training and Travel Allowance
The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW), headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is the first human-centric warfare wing to consolidate human performance research, education, and consultation under a single organization. Established under the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the 711 HPW is comprised of the Airman Systems Directorate (RH) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). For more information about the Air Force Research Laboratory, please visit https://afresearchlab.com/.
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 should be currently enrolled in high school (rising junior or senior preferred) and/or receiving high school diploma by August 1 2027.
Preferred Skills
- Strong interest in biology, chemistry, and/or medicine
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to engage as part of a team
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
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.
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: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: High School Diploma/GED received within the last 12 months or anticipated to be received by 8/1/2027 12:00:00 AM.
- Discipline(s):
- Chemistry and Materials Sciences (
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