Zoonotic Disease Program Internship - Multiple Openings

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ohio Department of Health is seeking a College Intern to join the Zoonotic Disease Program in monitoring vector-borne disease occurrence in arthropods in Ohio. This position will report to the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Candidates will be assigned to one of two internship types based on their expressed interest, prior work history, and education.

Entomology Internship (2 positions available) This position will report to the State Public Health Entomologist and work in the field as well as the entomology lab. Entomology lab work will include assisting entomologists in identifying mosquitoes and ticks to the species level and preparing samples for pathogen testing. Field work will include overnight travel to different areas in Ohio to capture mosquitoes and ticks using a variety of traps and techniques and prepare samples for pathogen testing. Interns may also be asked to assist with data entry and reporting as needed. Unusual Working Conditions: Field work will include overnight travel (an average of 3 nights per week). Field work may occur in all outdoor conditions including exposure to heat, inclement weather, biting arthropods, and other conditions associated with outdoor summer field work. Field work may include walking long distances while carrying surveillance equipment. Interns conducting field work, travel expenses (lodging, meals, etc.) will be reimbursed according to the State of Ohio travel policies. Candidates should be able to carry up to 25 pounds. Candidates should be able to navigate through wooded environments.

Laboratory Internship (2 positions available) This position will report to the Laboratory Virology Supervisor and assist lab scientists at the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory with testing a high volume of arthropod samples using techniques such as RNA extraction and real-time RT-PCR. College Interns will also assist with data entry and summarization of laboratory and surveillance data for West Nile virus and other vector-borne diseases.

About Us: Our mission at the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans. Our agency is committed to building a modern, vibrant public health system that creates the conditions where all Ohioans flourish.

Requirements

• Students must be pursuing a degree in biological science, public health, or a related field.
• Students must agree to work full time for at least a 14-week period of the project May 4 – August 21, 2026.
• Students must have basic laboratory skills such as using a microscope.
• Students must have the ability to work independently.
• Entomology Interns must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive a state vehicle.
• Laboratory Interns should have laboratory related coursework and/or experience with laboratory techniques such as pipetting and working in biological safety cabinets.
• Students must be able to provide their own transportation to work.

Responsibilities

• Assist entomologists in identifying mosquitoes and ticks to the species level and preparing samples for pathogen testing.
• Capture mosquitoes and ticks using a variety of traps and techniques and prepare samples for pathogen testing.
• Assist with data entry and reporting as needed.
• Assist lab scientists at the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory with testing a high volume of arthropod samples using techniques such as RNA extraction and real-time RT-PCR.
• Assist with data entry and summarization of laboratory and surveillance data for West Nile virus and other vector-borne diseases.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed