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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?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain experience in invasive species ecology and plant-insect interactions by studying plant invasions and their management in the United States. There will be opportunities to participate in a number of research projects focused on the ecology and management of a variety of plant pests, including giant salvinia, hydrilla, giant cane, phragmites, Brazilian Peppertree, and flowering rush. Depending on your background, there could by an emphasis on rearing, release, and monitoring of weed biological control agents in the southeastern United States. You will conduct experiments to determine susceptibility of invasive species to management actions such as biological control or herbicides, culture of aquatic and wetland plant species, and collaborate with others to better understand establishment and spread of invasive plant species. You will set-up, maintain, and break down greenhouse or outdoor experiments, set up and maintain plant and insect cultures, and infrequently travel to field sites for data collection. You will 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. There may also be opportunities to contribute to large-scale restoration plantings or field control demonstrations, plant community surveys and mapping, and assessment of plant community development. Field research takes place year-round in natural riparian and aquatic environments in varied weather conditions and typically involves physical exertion.  You will have an opportunity to contribute to scientific publications and/or technical reports.  

 Why should I apply?

This fellowship provides the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed research forward.

Where will I be located?  Lewisville, Texas

What is the appointment length? 

This appointment is a full-time twelve-month research appointment. Appointments 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 a 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

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (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 DoD. Participants do 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.  Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Master's or Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, Entomology or related field and related coursework.

The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate the ability to participate both independently and on a multidisciplinary team.
• Be self-motivated to perform high-quality, detailed research towards solving complex invasive species problems.
• Be familiar with basic data collection and management, and statistical analyses.
• Strong writing and/or publication record is a plus- although a publication record is not necessary. 
• Conduct literature review, write methods, and analyze data. 

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/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. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• One recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

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 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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• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/31/2026 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • 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 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (29 )