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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*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis and applications may close before the deadline.

USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) located in Saint Paul, Minnisota.

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 project will develop a framework that structures and guides the consideration and inclusion of climate adaptive practices for facilities in the Midwest region of the National Park system. This includes robust engagement of resource managers for local knowledge and context, climate change vulnerability and hazards assessments, consideration of planning process, and the identification of climate adaptation opportunities.

Learning Objectives: You will have the opportunity to learn about filling information gaps in climate effects on infrastructure, build experience in decision science, hone skills in science communication, better understand the needs of the natural resource management community, engage with federal partners, and gain valuable experience being a part of a partnership-driven program within a federal science agency.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Olivia LeDee (oledee@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s). 

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 nine months, 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, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

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. Degree must have been received within the past four years.

• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 48 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (29 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (29 )