DTRA Instrumentation Development and Testing Research - Bachelor's​/Master's level

Overview

DTRA Instrumentation Development and Testing Research Opportunity - Bachelor's/Master's level at the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) under the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

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 focuses on instrumentation used for the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Testing program.

As an 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. This may include measurements of pressure, temperature, force, displacement, and detection of chemical, biological, and radiological agents.

Responsibilities

• 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

Location:

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Anticipated start date:
October 2025. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

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

Stipend and Benefits

• Stipend range: $5,500.00 – $6,700.00 per month, based on academic standing, discipline, experience, and location
• Monthly health insurance provision to help offset health insurance premiums
• Other provisions may include Health Insurance Supplement, Relocation/Dislocation, Training and Travel

Participants do not enter an employment relationship with the DoD or any agency; a suitability/background investigation is required. Appointment offers are tentative pending a favorable investigation outcome.

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

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

• Experience with development and operation of instrumentation systems and data acquisition equipment
• Experience operating laboratory test equipment (e.g., 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, hold a SECRET clearance, and pass random drug screening. Appointment offers will be rescinded if the candidate fails drug screening or clearance 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
• Two Recommendations

Questions? Email STEM-WORKFORCEu.gov and include the reference code DTRA- in the subject line.

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$5,500.00 – $6,700.00 Monthly

Alecia