Research Internship in Instrumentation

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Test and Assessment (TS) Department, Test Diagnostics Branch is offering a full-time internship opportunity for a recent, or soon-to-be, bachelor's or master's degree graduate. This research opportunity is designed around the instrumentation used for the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Testing program. 

What will I be doing?

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant and under the guidance of a mentor, you will join a community of scientists and researchers to develop and field new and upgraded instrumentation equipment for CBRNE testing, that may include measurements of pressure, temperature, force, displacement, and also chemical, biological, and radiological detection.

Why should I apply?

DTRA offers a distinctly unique experience for research-based experiences, professional development, and future career opportunities for selected fellows and interns, not to mention the beauty of Albuquerque and the surrounding area. As the selected participant, 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:

• Learning to use instruments that provide precise measurements of high frequency phenomena
• Developing new instrumentation systems (hardware / software) for tests 
• Creating the instrumentation plan for test events
• Learning how to document the fielding and data collection methods 
• Documenting the instrumentation development process, test fielding and results
• Tracking progress via a Weekly Activity Report 

Where will I be located? Albuquerque, New Mexico

What is the anticipated start date?

The Test and Assessment (TS) Department, Test Diagnostics Branch at DTRA is seeking to begin this appointment in October 2025. 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 fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length?

This appointment is a full-time, twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments are initially for one year with the option to extend the appointment for up to four additional years, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.

What are the appointment provisions?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by DTRA. The stipend range for this internship will range between $5500.00 - $6700.00/month based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. In addition, DTRA will include a monthly health insurance provision to help offset the cost of a health insurance premium. 

Other provisions may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation/Dislocation 
• Training and Travel 

While participants will not enter an employment relationship with DoD or any other agency, this opportunity will require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any appointment offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.

About DTRA

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency provides cross-cutting solutions to enable the DoD, the United States Government, and international partners to DETER strategic attack against the United States and its allies; PREVENT, reduce, and counter Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and emerging threats; and PREVAIL against WMD-armed adversaries in crisis and conflict.  This opportunity is within the Research and Development Directorate of DTRA, Test and Assessment Department. For more information about the DTRA, please visit https://www.dtra.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.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate will have an earned bachelor's or master's degree in technical science, engineering, or applied mathematics within the past 20 months or are expected to earn the degree in one of these disciplines by January 1, 2026.

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required
• Candidate must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application
• Must be a U.S. Citizen

Highly qualified candidates will demonstrate:

• Experience with development and operation of instrumentation systems and data acquisition equipment 
• Experience operating laboratory test equipment (i.e. signal generators, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes) 
• Experience working with scientists and engineers in a team environment 

The selected candidate must be able to pass interim SECRET security clearance requirement, hold a SECRET security clearance, and pass random drug screening.  Appointment offers will be rescinded should the candidate fail to meet the drug screening and interim security clearance requirement.

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 - 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. The recommender 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 STEM-WORKFORCE@orise.orau.gov.  Please list the reference code of this opportunity DTRA-2025-0003 in the subject line of the email.

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