To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

A complete application 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, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
• Two educational or professional recommendations. At least one recommendation must be submitted in order for the mentor to view your application.

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

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USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This opportunity is remote.

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.

The Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Centers (NE CASC) conducts and supports research to understand how changing climate conditions impact fish, wildlife, ecosystems, and communities. Through this work, we aim to provide on-the-ground natural resource managers and other stakeholders with scientific information and decision-making tools to help them understand, respond, and adapt to these changes.

Research Project: In order to produce climate adaptation science that is needed and actionable, NE CASC and SE CASC seek input on the science priorities of the natural and cultural resource managers in their regions.  To better understand these priorities, the participant will facilitate a process to identify and analyze NE and SE CASC science priorities from a stakeholder and rightsholder perspective. A research-based process will be developed and implemented that includes elicitation, prioritization, and organization of priorities. The data produced will be analyzed and summarized, and subsequently included in the NE CASC and SE CASC science strategies. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Collaborates with regional leadership on science planning, administration, and management.
• Learns about transdisciplinary team science including internal integration across disciplines and organizational units and external engagement of partners using a participatory science approach.
• Learns about the social, biological, and/or physical sciences to support the SECASC and the development and delivery of actionable information at scales and timeframes relevant to decision makers.
• Learns about regional operations including strategic planning, meetings and events, information requests, projects and initiatives, training and professional development programs, awards, and other activities.
• Learns about in-depth analysis of complex operational needs and issues, provides recommendations to regional leadership, and implements select tactics.
• Learns about and tracks innovative performance metrics on regional science goals and strategies.
• Facilitates communications and collaboration across the region and with external partners.
• Supports the development and administration of regional communication platforms including webpages, webinars, reporting, and publications.
• Develops and disseminates information products on high-profile science projects and initiatives.
• Learns about evaluation and implementing innovative methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regional communication, coordination, and information management.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Forrest Vanderbilt (fvanderbilt@usgs.gov) and Katherine Smith (katherinesmith@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2024, as soon as available. 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 renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is part time.

Participant Stipend: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.

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 have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. 

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree.
• Discipline(s):
  • Business (11 )
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (13 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (30 )