Ecological Science Postdoctoral Fellow in Natural Infrastructure
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The Environmental Laboratory (EL) is one of the seven laboratories of U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (USACE-ERDC), which is the Army Corps of Engineers' integrated research and development (R&D) organization. EL provides solutions to environmental challenges for the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense and the Nation through environmental science and engineering research and development. Researchers in EL conduct research in ecosystem science and technology, environmental resiliency, environmental sensing, ecological modeling and forecasting, risk and decision science, environmentally sustainable material, systems biology, climate change, computational chemistry, environmental chemistry and environmental security.
What will I be doing?
The Network for Engineering with Nature (NEWN) is a multi-institutional research entity for studying the role of natural, built, and social systems as part of an infrastructure portfolio. The network has a major research focus area on the interplay between infrastructure and biodiversity objectives. The federal government owns and operates thousands of pieces of aging infrastructure, and this project address how different asset management decisions (e.g., do nothing, reconstruction, removal, divestment) could affect larger scale infrastructure and ecological outcomes. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will participate closely with research collaborators across multiple universities and practitioners across the Department of Defense (DoD) on developing a decision-making framework for aging dam infrastructure that incorporates multiple engineering and ecological objectives. A watershed-scale decision-making framework will be developed for DoD practitioners based on existing multi-criteria approaches. Additionally, you will collect and synthesize information on the "hidden" costs and benefits of different asset management choices with respect to unintended ecological and social consequences (e.g., biogeochemical effects of reservoirs and community sense of place, respectively). You will also collaborate closely with other NEWN investigators on a variety of other cutting-edge topics related to natural infrastructure and nature-based solutions.
Why should I apply?
This internship provides the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed research forward. There are multiple opportunities available to engage in your applied research and evaluation interests.
Where will I be located? Location Varies
What is the anticipated start date?
ERDC-EL is ready to make an appointment immediately. The exact start date will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate.
What is the length of the appointment?
This ORISE appointment is a full-time twelve month opportunity. Appointment may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.
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 summer 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.
You must either be pursuing or have a Ph.D. in ecology, water science, conservation biology, or other related sciences. You must have strong research skills and experience developing and/or applying these skills in the context of applied environmental and water management issues. Additionally, excellent written and oral communication skills are needed for close collaboration with a large team of scientists and engineers, presentation of findings, and preparation of manuscripts. Desirable qualifications include familiarity with natural infrastructure, multi-criteria decision making, dam management, and socio-ecological systems. You may be asked to travel quarterly for project meetings, field data collection, and other duties.
A complete application consists of:
- Zintellect profile
- 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-2022-0008 in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing. Please do not send application materials to the email address above.
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