Research Engineering Internship: Injury Biomechanics--Blunt Impact Injury Prevention

The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a postgraduate bachelor's or master's degree internships at the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL).

What will I be doing?

The participant will gain experience in injury and performance biomechanics by engaging in specialized research described in grants, proposals, and other legal agreements in accomplishment of USAARL’s Injury Biomechanics and Protection Group mission.

Why should I apply?

Under the guidance of a mentor, 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:

• Investigating injury biomechanics related to neurosensory response and injury by assisting a collaborative biomedical research team with ongoing injury biomechanics experiments and research
• Using medical imaging techniques and software tools to identify and characterize injury patterns
• Learning and applying motion analysis algorithms, equipment, and techniques to understand human kinematics and anatomical structures

Where will I be located?

Fort Novosel, Alabama

What is the anticipated start date?

The USAARL is ready to make appointments immediately. 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 internships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length?

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 appointment provisions?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by USAARL. 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 U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory

The U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL) located at Fort Novosel, Alabama, is a nationally recognized laboratory for research into safety, survival, impact tolerance, sustainability and performance effectiveness of aviators and Soldiers. The USAARL’s research focuses on blunt, blast and accelerative injury and protection; crew survival in military helicopters and combat vehicles; the en route care environment; human operator health and performance in complex systems and sensory performance, injury and protection. Current USAARL work for the Army’s modernization priorities includes research in the areas of future vertical lift, the next generation combat vehicle and directed-energy weapons. The Laboratory’s highly skilled workforce consists of rated aviators, medical professionals, doctoral- and masters-level researchers, and research technicians.  Visit https://usaarl.health.mil/ to learn more about USAARL.

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 a bachelor's or master's degree preferably in a related engineering (mechanical, aerospace, biomedical) field.  Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date. 

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

• Several years of experience in research, engineering or clinical setting
• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, standards, and procedures within biomechanics and mathematics as demonstrated through a degree and coursework in a relevant STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field from an accredited program.
• Experience with mechanical test surrogates and/or cadaveric specimen in biomechanical research
• Knowledge of administering manual muscle tests, cervical range of motion tests, and use of electromyography,
• Ability to integrate complex medical and engineering methodologies and equipment, including but not limited to motion capture systems, medical and physiological stimulation and measurement systems (e.g., EMG, dynamometer), and engineering instrumentation (e.g., accelerometers, load cells, force plates, IMUs), software (e.g., MATLAB, SAS, Mimics), and data acquisition
• Mathematics and data analysis and acquisition experience, including scientific software packages and principles of data acquisition
• Good computer skills with advanced knowledge and experience in Microsoft Office Suite software

Experience in the military (active duty, guard, reserve) or experience engaging with military populations is desirable. 

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 - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. 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. 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 army-mrmc@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [MRDC-AARL-2025-0006] 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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