USFS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Silviculture and Genetics

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
USDA-USFS-2022-0124
How to Apply

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A complete application package 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.  Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.  All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation.  Click Here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • A current resume/CV
  • Two educational or professional recommendations. Applications need at least one recommendation submitted in order to be viewed by the mentor.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Application Deadline
4/19/2022 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

USFS Office/Lab and Location: A postdoctoral fellowship is available with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, Pacific Northwest (PNW) Research Station located in Olympia, Washington. 

At the heart of the U.S. Forest Service's mission is their purpose. Everything they do is intended to help sustain forests and grasslands for present and future generations. Why? Because their stewardship work supports nature in sustaining life. This is the purpose that drives the agency’s mission and motivates their work across the agency. It’s been there from the agency’s very beginning, and it still drives them. To advance the mission and serve their purpose, the U.S. Forest Service balances the short and long-term needs of people and nature by: working in collaboration with communities and our partners; providing access to resources and experiences that promote economic, ecological, and social vitality; connecting people to the land and one another; and delivering world-class science, technology and land management.

Research Project: The Pacific Northwest Research Station is seeking a postdoctoral fellow with experience in silviculture and genetics to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team researching strategies to integrate assisted migration during reforestation activities. The team includes researchers in silviculture and genetics that are housed both within the PNW Research Station and the Pacific Southwest Research Station. In collaboration with the team, the Fellow will assist in the development and initiation of a new experimental network focused on evaluation of assisted population migration and the use of novel silvicultural practices to increase reforestation success. The network is planned to span a large geographic range from northern CA to southern AK and encompass all land ownerships. The research of the Fellow is broadly organized around three primary activities, which are: 1) evaluate the availability of seed for assisted migration, including barriers to collection and inventory, methods to prioritize seed collection, and opportunities for cooperation among public agencies and forestry stakeholders, 2) utilize existing trials and datasets and incorporate new measurements to advance our understanding of assisted migration and reforestation practices, and 3) assist in the application of assisted migration tools and guidelines with different land owners/managers. The Fellow will also have an opportunity to develop or participate in new avenues of research related to natural resource management.

Learning Objectives

  • Learn about assisted migration and natural resource management issues in the Western United States while helping to develop networks and tools that will facilitate implementation of strategies to increase reforestation success and future climate resilience
  • Enhance collaborative skills as a member of a scientific team through development of questions, data collection planning and implementation, and analysis leading to publishable research relevant to natural resources management
  • Gain first-hand knowledge of Forest Service Research & Development science and National Forest System management
  • Understand and facilitate interactions at the intersection between science and land management

The Fellow will have the opportunity to interact with scientists in Forest Service research stations, and managers in the National Forest System and other land management agencies and entities. The Fellow may explore options for future job or educational opportunities and take advantage of additional training opportunities.

MentorThe mentor for this opportunity is Robert Slesak (Robert.slesak@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Spring 2022.  Start date is flexible and negotiable, and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment LengthThe appointment will initially be for one year, but may be extended upon recommendation of USFS and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of ParticipationThe appointment is full-time.

Participant StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. An annual stipend of $73,098 will be provided. A health insurance allowance and a travel/training allowance will also be provided.

Citizenship RequirementsThis 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 InformationThis 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 USFS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, USFS, 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: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email USForestService@orise.orau.gov and include the reference code for this opportunity. 

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in ecology, forestry, genetics, natural resources or a related field, or be currently pursuing the degree with completion by the end of May 2022. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Preferred skills:

  • Strong quantitative skills with demonstrated experience in statistical analysis of ecological or quantitative genetics datasets
  • Understanding of the principles of quantitative genetics and the genetic basis for plant adaptation to the environment OR understanding of silvicultural principles, methods, and treatments at the stand scale  
  • Experience conducting ecological field research in forested ecosystems
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously
  • Capacity to work independently and prioritize activities to meet project schedules
  • A record of publishing scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals
  • Strong presentation skills and the ability to effectively communicate and work with diverse stakeholders
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 5/31/2022 11:59:00 PM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Earth and Geosciences (1 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (7 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (8 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (1 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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