What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Health and Preventive Medicine position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
SOUTHCOM-2026-0001
How To Apply
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
Description
U. S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), located in Doral, Florida is responsible for providing contingency planning, operations, and security cooperation in its assigned Area of Responsibility, which includes Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The command is responsible for promoting regional security, stability, and cooperation; building partner capacity; and supporting interagency efforts to counter threats and strengthen regional resilience. Within SOUTHCOM, the Surgeon’s Office supports both the Force Health Protection (FHP) mission and the Global Health Engagement (GHE) portfolio through activities that rely heavily on medical, public health, business, analytical, and program management competencies. The office provides medical planning and policy guidance that enhances readiness and biosurveillance for U.S. forces, while also coordinating regional health security efforts with partner nations.
What will I be doing?
As an ORISE fellow, you will play engage in research activities to strengthen USSOUTHCOM's public health posture through the development of evidence-based planning initiatives and actionable policy guidance to enhance force health readiness. This fellowship will focus on biosurveillance capabilities, enabling early detection and mitigation of emerging health threats relevant to US forces operating within USSOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility. Furthermore, you will gain experience in the coordination of regional health security programs with partner nations, engage with leading academic institutions, and collaborate with international health organizations to improve health security across the Western Hemisphere.
Why should I apply?
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will learn and gain experience in the following research activities:
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.
What are the provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by USSOUTHCOM. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:
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.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing a graduate degree or have received a Master's or Doctoral degree in a Public Health or related discipline within five years of the appointment start date. Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or field experience in Public Health/Preventive Medicine.
While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with DOD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.
Please note: Due to the location of this opportunity, all fellows will be required to have a Secret Clearance.
Application Requirements
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
Brittany
Eligibility Requirements">10 )
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
SOUTHCOM-2026-0001
How To Apply
Click on Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.
Description
U. S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), located in Doral, Florida is responsible for providing contingency planning, operations, and security cooperation in its assigned Area of Responsibility, which includes Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The command is responsible for promoting regional security, stability, and cooperation; building partner capacity; and supporting interagency efforts to counter threats and strengthen regional resilience. Within SOUTHCOM, the Surgeon’s Office supports both the Force Health Protection (FHP) mission and the Global Health Engagement (GHE) portfolio through activities that rely heavily on medical, public health, business, analytical, and program management competencies. The office provides medical planning and policy guidance that enhances readiness and biosurveillance for U.S. forces, while also coordinating regional health security efforts with partner nations.
What will I be doing?
As an ORISE fellow, you will play engage in research activities to strengthen USSOUTHCOM's public health posture through the development of evidence-based planning initiatives and actionable policy guidance to enhance force health readiness. This fellowship will focus on biosurveillance capabilities, enabling early detection and mitigation of emerging health threats relevant to US forces operating within USSOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility. Furthermore, you will gain experience in the coordination of regional health security programs with partner nations, engage with leading academic institutions, and collaborate with international health organizations to improve health security across the Western Hemisphere.
Why should I apply?
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will learn and gain experience in the following research activities:
- Designing and implementing programs to evaluate the current level of biosurveillance across the USSOUTHCOM AOR with a specific focus on identifying resource gaps and redundancies.
- Learning comprehensive analysis of existing policies related to force health readiness and biosurveillance within the USSOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility.
- Developing well-researched and evidence-based policy recommendations, including cost-benefit analyses, designed to optimize resource allocation, improve program efficiency, and enhance overall force health outcomes.
- Developing and implementing a stakeholder engagement plan to foster collaborative relationships with partner nations, academic institutions, and international health organizations in the Western Hemisphere.
- Gaining experience in principles used to assess and optimize the allocation of resources for public health programs within USSOUTHCOM.
- Identifying and analyzing relevant public health data sources within the USSOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility.
- Gain understanding of processes, regulations, and reporting requirements related to public health programs, biosurveillance, and international partnerships.
- Creating risk assessments and mitigation strategies related to health security threats within the USSOUTHCOM AOR.
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.
What are the provisions?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by USSOUTHCOM. 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
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.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing a graduate degree or have received a Master's or Doctoral degree in a Public Health or related discipline within five years of the appointment start date. Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or field experience in Public Health/Preventive Medicine.
While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with DOD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.
Please note: Due to the location of this opportunity, all fellows will be required to have a Secret Clearance.
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 - For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- Two Recommendations. Your application will be considered incomplete 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.
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
Brittany
Eligibility Requirements">10 )
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
- Discipline(s):
- Business (
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