USGS Developing Food Web Models to Inform River Management in the Grand Canyon Segment of the Colorado River
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.
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!”
*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). This opportunity location is varied or 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.
Research Project: This research participation opportunity provides a mentored learning experience focused on understanding ecological dynamics, food-web processes, and water-resource conditions in the Grand Canyon segment of the Colorado River Basin. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will learn approaches used to study how environmental change, hydrologic conditions, and ecosystem productivity influence fish populations and food-web structure. You will gain experience exploring modeling approaches that examine relationships among fish consumption, environmental variation, invasive species trends, and hydrologic drivers. Your learning will include opportunities to understand how ecological modeling frameworks are developed and how these scientific tools can contribute to broader research discussions within resource-management and hydrologic communities. The research activities identified for this educational experience align with priorities in the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program (GCDAMP) Triennial Plan and will provide rich exposure to interdisciplinary inquiry without assigning operational or management responsibilities.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain confidence in critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, statistical model fitting, and applied ecological analysis to better understand river-resource dynamics.
- Learn how to develop research products such as manuscripts and presentations that effectively communicate scientific findings under mentor guidance.
- Engage with scientists and postdoctoral researchers to discuss scientific questions, analytical approaches, and research concepts related to ongoing studies.
- Participate in lab meetings and seminars to strengthen collaboration skills and gain exposure to new scientific methods and results.
- Receive regular mentorship to support your research development, technical growth, and progress throughout the appointment.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Charles Yackulic (cyackulic@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: December 1, 2026. 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 full time.
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 or be currently pursuing a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (including ecosystem ecology, population ecology, aquatic ecology, quantitative ecology, statistics, natural resources, fisheries, biology, or similar fields).
ORISE GO
The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!
