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Summer 2021 Undergraduate Research - Novel Optical Properties of Biopigments

The U.S. Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (CCDC-SC) is offering an undergraduate internship at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Massachusetts.

What will I be doing?

As an ORISE participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers to learn from a laboratory experience, contributing to DEVCOM SC's disruptive innovation in advanced optical materials: bio-inspired pigments and magnetic materials, both of which have novel optical (visible and infrared) properties, such as high index of refraction, bio-inspired facile synthesis, and reconfigurability (especially with magnetic fields).  You will learn new expertise in creating innovative coatings relevant to different platforms, enabling better optical properties, such as color. You will conduct laboratory research to synthesize and apply coatings on representative samples and evaluate optical properties, experimentally and through coached modeling. You will also conduct experiments on tunable and reconfigurable magnetic materials - including magnetic metal-insulator-metal diodes, 1D and 2D magnetic metasurfaces, and possibly magnetic fibers- under short- /long-wave infrared laser illumination (advanced tunable infrared lasers) and in an applied external magnetic field.

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.

You will gain experience and hopefully a more profound interest in laboratory research, critical to developing new US technology in advanced optical, bio-inspired, and magnetic materials. Significant laboratory research experience is not required, but an interest in learning laboratory research and a demonstrated laboratory research ethic is essential to this learning experience.

Where will I be located? 

Natick, Massachusetts

Application Deadline

5/21/2021 4:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

What is the anticipated start date?

The CCDC-SC is ready to make an appointment effective June 1, 2021. Exact start date will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internship will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

Appointment Length

This appointment is a 12-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 benefits?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by CCDC-SC. 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

Nature of Appointment

You will 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.

About CCDC-SC

The U.S. Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (CCDC-SC) is located at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Massachusetts, under the Army Futures Command. CCDC-SC supports Soldier-related research, development, testing and evaluation efforts. Diverse expertise comprised of scientists, engineers, technologists and equipment designers, the CCDC-SC provides a wide range of capabilities to the Soldier, to include field feeding and life support systems, protective clothing, and ballistic, chemical and laser-protection systems, and human performance optimization. 

CCDC-SC’s highly skilled team of scientists perform a variety of research that includes, Soldier's uniforms, meals ready to eat (MREs), tents, sleeping bags, to parachutes and airdrop capabilities. If Soldiers wear it, eat it, sleep under it, or have it airdropped to them, the product research and development can be traced back to the mission of CCDC-SC. This Army laboratory is focused on all aspects of the Soldier and small squad performance encompassing combat rations, personal and collective protection, aerial delivery of supplies, Soldier training and human performance optimization.  For more information about the CCDC-Soldier Center, please see:  https://ccdcsoldiercenter.army.mil/#/whoweare

Qualifications

All candidates should be actively pursuing a Bachelor's degree in biophysics, material sciences, applied physics, condensed matter physics, optics, or general physics with an anticipated graduation date on or before May 27, 2024.

The following skills and experience are preferred:

  • Interest in materials, optics, infrared, physics, imaging, bio-inspired materials, chemical synthesis. The Areas of Disciplines selected represent a desired match between the applicant's interests and the disciplines needed for the opportunity. Expertise in these areas is not required, since this is an opportunity for an undergraduate.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree to be received by 5/27/2024 12:00:00 AM.
  • Overall GPA: 3.65