What are the responsibilities and job description for the Biology Research Fellowship position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
DEVCOM-SC-2026-0003
How To Apply
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
Description
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a Master's or Doctoral research fellowship.
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 engaging in organoid/cell biology research activities including, but not limited to, nutritional physiology, immune system modulation, and gastrointestinal cell culture to support gut health-related projects. Primary techniques and approaches will include establishing intestinal organoid in vitro models to test hypotheses relating to mechanisms response of intestinal epithelial cells in response to military relevant stressors, and in identifying nutritional countermeasures. Various methods including molecular assay techniques (e.g. qPCR, ELISA, confocal microscopy, -omics, immunoblots), biostatistics, AI/ML experience/mastery, organ-on-chip technologies, and the equipment will be utilized to accomplish research in the above areas.
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:
Natick, Massachusetts
What is the anticipated start date?
August 2026
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 appointment length?
This appointment is a 12-month, full-time 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 DEVCOM-SC. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (DEVCOM-SC) is located at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Massachusetts, under the Army's Futures Command. Stretching back to 1954, DEVCOM-SC's history of support for the Soldier has continued uninterrupted for more than six decades, with a focus on Soldier-related research, development, testing and evaluation efforts. If Soldiers wear it, eat it, sleep under it, or have it airdropped to them in theater, it can be traced back to the DEVCOM-SC. Diverse expertise comprised of scientists, engineers, technologists and equipment designers. DEVCOM-SC provides a wide range of capabilities to the Soldier, to include field feeding and life support systems, protective clothing, precision airdrop systems, and ballistic, chemical and laser-protection systems, and human performance optimization.
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 is a US citizen who will have completed a Master's or Doctoral degree in any of the disciplines listed in the opportunity’s Eligibility criteria. Degree must have been received within 5 years of the appointment start date.
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!
Stipend
$75,000.00 – $83,000.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Richard
Eligibility Requirements">13 )
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
DEVCOM-SC-2026-0003
How To Apply
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
Description
The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a Master's or Doctoral research fellowship.
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 engaging in organoid/cell biology research activities including, but not limited to, nutritional physiology, immune system modulation, and gastrointestinal cell culture to support gut health-related projects. Primary techniques and approaches will include establishing intestinal organoid in vitro models to test hypotheses relating to mechanisms response of intestinal epithelial cells in response to military relevant stressors, and in identifying nutritional countermeasures. Various methods including molecular assay techniques (e.g. qPCR, ELISA, confocal microscopy, -omics, immunoblots), biostatistics, AI/ML experience/mastery, organ-on-chip technologies, and the equipment will be utilized to accomplish research in the above areas.
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:
- Developing skills in planning and conducting 3D organoid cell culture procedures.
- Gaining experience carrying out research studies in organoid biology and nutrition
- Participating in presentations, briefings, scientific manuscripts, and data analysis.
Natick, Massachusetts
What is the anticipated start date?
August 2026
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 appointment length?
This appointment is a 12-month, full-time 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 DEVCOM-SC. 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)
- Training and Travel Allowance
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (DEVCOM-SC) is located at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Massachusetts, under the Army's Futures Command. Stretching back to 1954, DEVCOM-SC's history of support for the Soldier has continued uninterrupted for more than six decades, with a focus on Soldier-related research, development, testing and evaluation efforts. If Soldiers wear it, eat it, sleep under it, or have it airdropped to them in theater, it can be traced back to the DEVCOM-SC. Diverse expertise comprised of scientists, engineers, technologists and equipment designers. DEVCOM-SC provides a wide range of capabilities to the Soldier, to include field feeding and life support systems, protective clothing, precision airdrop systems, and ballistic, chemical and laser-protection systems, and human performance optimization.
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 is a US citizen who will have completed a Master's or Doctoral degree in any of the disciplines listed in the opportunity’s Eligibility criteria. Degree must have been received within 5 years of the appointment start date.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with cell culture skills (human or animal models) with an emphasis on organoid and stem cell biology
- Analytical and molecular techniques (i.e. qPCR, ELISA, multiplex genomic and proteomic assays)
- Bioengineering or familiarity with different cell-based biotechnology platforms
- Biostatistics
- Confocal imaging
- Scientific writing
- AI/ML experience
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!
Stipend
$75,000.00 – $83,000.00 Yearly
Point of Contact
Richard
Eligibility Requirements">13 )
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 8/31/2026 12:00:00 AM.
- Discipline(s):
- Life Health and Medical Sciences (
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Salary : $75,000 - $83,000