Job Description

Description

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) is seeking applications for summer internship appointments for high-school students to conduct research at USU. The intent of this summer internship is to provide an opportunity for students interested in science, engineering or medical career fields to participate in research directed at improving the care of injured military service members and society at large. This mentored research experience will expose participants to ongoing efforts in integrated science, technology and engineering solutions at the nation’s premier military medical school. With many different exposures to various facilities and hands-on lab experience, this is an in-person internship with limited virtual capacities.

What will I be doing?

The USU Summer Scholars Program is an 8-week training program that provides unique exposure to basic and clinical research, social/behavioral research, health policy, and research administration to high-school and college students.

Every year, students collaborate with research mentors across all of the USU research departments. Past students have explored the participating departments of Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Microbiology, and Immunology. Those students interested in medicine have explored the participating departments of Psychiatry, Pathology, the Graduate Student Nursing Program, Preventative Medicine and Biostatistics, and the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health.

Throughout this experience, you will participate closely with a USUHS Faculty mentor and their research to conduct a scientific investigation in a military-relevant research focus area. You will have the opportunity to attend or participate in scientific and professional development seminars, field trips, laboratory experiments and observations, and research planning meetings. At the conclusion of the program, you will prepare and present abstracts on your research at the annual USU Summer Scholars poster symposium.

Where will I be located?

Bethesda, Maryland

What is the anticipated start date?

The internship has a start date of Monday, June 22nd, 2026, and will end on Friday, August 14th, 2026.

What is the appointment length? 

This appointment is a full-time 8-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 of $3,500 for an 8-week research appointment. 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)
• Those traveling from outside the Washington, DC area may be eligible to receive additional travel funds, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Transportation and housing will not be provided.  All participants must procure their own housing and transportation.

About USU

As the medical school of the Department of Defense, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) is the nation’s federal health professions academy — akin to the undergraduate programs of the U.S. military academies at West Point, Annapolis and Colorado Springs. Like the academies, students are not charged tuition; they repay the nation for their education through service. In many respects, our curricula and educational experiences are similar to those of civilian academic health centers, with one important difference: our emphasis on military health care, leadership, readiness and public health sets USU apart.

Most of our graduates pursue their professional practice within the federal health system that provides extraordinary access to a range of experience and practice around the globe. This practice is shaped by the USU education that prepares them to be leaders, working across professions in teams to focus on disease prevention and health promotion.

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

Qualified candidates should currently be enrolled in a high-school or GED program.  

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:

• An overall GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• A science or engineering program of study is preferred, and prior research experience will also be considered.  

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 .
• 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  STEM-WORKFORCE@orise.orau.gov . Please list the reference code of this opportunity [USU-2025-0002] 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.

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!

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Currently pursuing a High School Diploma/GED.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 2.50
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (29 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (30 )
• Age: Must be 16 years of age

How to Apply

Click on  Apply at the bottom of the opportunity to start your application.

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