Summer 2023 Environmental Science Intern

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
ERDC-CRREL-2023-0002
How to Apply

Click on Apply now to start your application.

Application Deadline
5/31/2023 12:00:00 AM Eastern Time Zone
Description

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), located in Hanover, New Hampshire, builds innovative products that support the warfighter, water resources, environment, infrastructure and homeland security. CRREL uses a multi-disciplinary research approach that solves the most difficult environmental physics and cold region engineering problems. With recognized international expertise, CRREL fosters partnerships across government agencies, academia and industry to solve complex problems.

Project: Stability and bioavailability of non-extractable residues of insensitive munitions compound 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN) in soils.

2,4-Dinitroanisole (DNAN), a component of new insensitive munitions being deployed by the U.S. military, is toxic and may contaminate training ranges through incomplete detonations. Because current remediation techniques are costly, we are studying non-extractable residue formation between biologically reduced DNAN products and moieties found in soil organic matter, a phenomenon that has been demonstrated in laboratory studies, as a decontamination strategy. We have added 15N- and/or 13C-isotopically labeled DNAN into soil columns that differ in organic carbon content and have begun extracting them to remove weakly-bonded DNAN residues. DNAN and its reduction products as well as non-extractable residues are then quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and elemental analyzer-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS), respectively, and the types of bonds formed between DNAN residues and soil are characterized using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy. The results of this study will further our understanding of the munitions loading capacity of soil and guide remediation efforts of contaminated sites.

What will I be doing?

Under the guidance of a mentor at the Biogeochemical Sciences Branch at CRREL, you will participate and gain knowledge in planning and conducting simulated physical, chemical, and biological weathering experiments and related analyses to test the environmental stability of the non-extractable DNAN residues. You will also evaluate the toxicity of these residues to plants and microbes and conduct other experimental and analytical research related to the project.

Where will I be located:  Hanover, New Hampshire

What is the anticipated start date? June 5, 2023

Exact start date will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate.

What is the appointment length? 

This appointment is a full-time three-month research appointment. Appointment may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the benefits? 

You will receive a stipend to be determined by ERDC-CRREL. Stipends are typically based on a 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 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 ideal candidate will have knowledge or passing coursework in a STEM field (environmental science or a related field, including chemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental engineering, plant science, microbiology) with an interest in environmental research. Prior laboratory experience is preferred but not required.

  • High school diploma or GED certificate and one year of post-high school education (university or trade school) or one year of industry experience. 
  • Microsoft Office, specifically Excel skills.

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 official 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.
  • One recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted. 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 USACE@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity 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.

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Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
  • Overall GPA: 3.00
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
    • Physics (16 )
  • Age: Must be 18 years of age
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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