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A complete application package consists of:

• An application
• Transcript(s) – 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.
• A current resume/CV
• Two educational or professional recommendations.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) at the Eastern Ecological Science Center located in Turners Falls, Massachusetts.

The USGS mission is to monitor, analyze, and predict current and evolving dynamics of complex human and natural Earth-system interactions and to deliver actionable intelligence at scales and timeframes relevant to decision makers. As the Nation's largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, USGS collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides science about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems.

Research Project: The USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center is searching for a highly motivated and talented quantitative researcher and data visualization candidate interested in the interplay of streamflow (particularly drought), stream temperature, and fish population dynamics in headwater (1st to 3rd Order) streams, and the sensitivity of these factors to climate change. This opportunity will consist primarily of co-leading an interdisciplinary physical-process modeling and statistical analysis investigating the effects of streamflow and stream temperature on fish population dynamics across various catchment sizes and ecoregions (Appalachia, Rocky Mountains, Great Basin), with an emphasis on potential drought impacts to these relationships and systems. This project is the capstone effort of a 5 year USGS effort, the USGS EcoDrought Project, designed to better understand the sensitivity of crucial headwater stream habitats to warming temperatures and increases in hydrologic extremes, thus will benefit from an ongoing very unique monitoring program collecting rare continuous streamflow and temperature data from headwaters in several ecoregions. There would be opportunities to participate in field research if desired, though this is not a requirement of the appointment. Additional information about our broader scope of ongoing work can be found at https://www.usgs.gov/apps/ecosheds/ and https://www.usgs.gov/apps/ecosheds/fpe/#/.

Learning Objectives: As a result of training associated with this research the participant will improve skills in

• Hydrological modeling
• Fish population dynamics modeling
• Data visualization
• Interdisciplinary research with the option to join teams developing related AI modeling approaches for these systems

Mentors: The mentors for this opportunity are Jenn Fair (jfair@usgs.gov), Ben Letcher (bletcher@usgs.gov) and Than Hitt (nhitt@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentors.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Early or mid 2024.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year but may be extended upon recommendation of USGS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend based on education and experience. The stipend rate for this opportunity is $68,299.00 - $88,792.00 yearly with Washington D.C. area adjustment. Link to OPM Pay Table for information about locality adjustment.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by 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 USGS. Participants do not become employees of USGS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Questions: If you have questions about the application process please email USGS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields listed in the eligibility requirements section (e.g. Environmental Sciences, Population and Community Ecology, Quantitative Ecology, Applied Mathematics). Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred Experience:

• Ability to assist in experimental design and in guiding selection of analytical methods;
• Knowledge of R is critical, with experience in ArcGIS or other GIS platforms being beneficial;
• Expertise/experience with Bayesian population models;
• Knowledge of ecological and hydrological principals, with a focus on freshwater fish populations and communities;
• Preferred ability to: understand data collection of and analyze continuous streamflow and temperature data, guide selection of analytical methods, and lead analysis of an interdisciplinary effort using tools from both hydrology and ecology (background in ecohydrology helpful but not required), present and publish results in a peer reviewed scientific journal

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )