Ecology: Invasive Species Management Research - Postgraduate

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
ERDC-EL-2021-0010
How to Apply

Click on Apply now to start your application.

Description

The Environmental Laboratory (EL) provides relevant, value-added technology supporting the environmental mission of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Army, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Nation. Headquartered in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the EL’s interdisciplinary staff of over 220 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel plans and executes all phases of the technology development process, from basic research to field implementation to commercialization. The EL staff consists of problem solvers who use research, development, experimentation, special studies, and technical support to address the needs of national and international business development partners. Partnering with Federal and State agencies, academia, and the private sector, the EL uses its distinctive technical capabilities to resolve complex, multi-disciplinary environmental sustainability problems. 

What will I be doing?

You will join a cohort of teams of ERDC-EL in research projects related to invasive species ecology and management and insect-plant interactions. Under the guidance of a mentor, research opportunities include: improving the use of host-specific insect herbivores to manage environmental weeds through selection for improved cold-hardiness (classical biological control), determining the importance of genetic diversity in large-scale plant invasions and its importance for classical biological control, and integrated pest management of environmental weeds through a combination of biological and chemical control methods. You will participate in experiments to determine susceptibility of invasive species to management actions such as biological control or herbicides, culture of aquatic and wetland plant species, and participate in experiments to better understand establishment and spread of invasive plant species.

Where will I be located? Vicksburg, Mississippi

Why should I apply?

This fellowship will provide you the opportunity to be part of a team to study invasive species and their management. As such, you will have numerous opportunities to observe and collaborate with scientists of varying backgrounds and expertise. 

Where will I be located? Vicksburg, Mississippi

What is the anticipated stat date? 

ERDC-EL is ready to make an appointment. Exact start date will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidates. 

What are the benefits?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by ERDC-EL. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

  • Health Insurance Supplement. Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE.
  • Relocation Allowance
  • Training and Travel Allowance

This ORISE appointment is a full-time 12 month opportunity. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

Nature of the Appointment

You will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

Qualifications

You should have a Bachelor or Master degree in Ecology or related field. You will demonstrate the ability to research both independently and on a multidisciplinary team and be self-motivated to perform high-quality, detailed research towards solving complex invasive species problems.  You will receive mentoring from federal research scientists and technicians and have an opportunity to contribute to scientific publications and/or technical reports.  

 A complete application consists of:

  • Zintellect profile
  • Educational and Employment History
  • Essay Questions - The application includes questions specific to the opportunity
  • Academic Records - For this opportunity, an official transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by
    academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.
  • Current Resume/CV
  • One (1) Recommendation - Applicants are required to provide contact information for at least one recommendation. You are encouraged to request a recommendation from a professional who can speak to your abilities and potential for success as well as your scientific capabilities and personal characteristics. Recommendation requests must be sent through the Zintellect application system. Recommenders will be asked to complete a recommendation in Zintellect. Letters of recommendation submitted via email will not be
    accepted.

Submitted documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation. If you have questions, send an email to usace@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity ERDC-EL-2021-0010 in the subject line of the email.

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Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
  • Overall GPA: 3.00
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
    • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (46 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (10 )
    • Physics (16 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (11 )
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