Research Opportunity in Forestry/Forest Products
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. Proof must be sent to ORISE directly from the academic institution including graduation date and degree awarded. 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 references – While two references are requested, applications will be considered without reference information. It is preferred that a complete application package contains a minimum of one reference.
If you have questions, send an email to USForestService@orise.orau.gov. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.
A postgraduate participant research project is available (via the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education) at the research and development (R&D) arm of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). R&D works at the forefront of science to improve the health and use of our Nation's forests and grasslands. Research has been part of the Forest Service mission since the agency's inception in 1905. Today, some 500-plus Forest Service researchers work across the country and internationally in a range of biological, physical, and social science fields to promote sustainable management of the Nation's diverse forests and rangelands.
The participant will be in the Goods, Services, and Values (GSV) Program (Ecosystem Services and Products) of the Pacific Northwest Research Station in Portland, OR. The GSV Program conducts and communicates research to advance understanding of relationships among people and forest and rangeland ecosystems. Scientists in this program work throughout the western US as they develop knowledge to help people plan for, manage, or mitigate change and its consequences in forests. The Program approaches wood products research from a variety of inputs along the value chain. Research can be at the standing tree/forest level scale through to the production of wood products, traditional and emerging.
The incumbent will participate in several research studies mostly in Alaska. It is envisioned that the primary project they will be researching is identifying wood quality properties of young growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock on the Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska. The participant will perform activities that support team research projects from project inception through data collection, data base management, statistical analysis, and manuscript preparation.
Specific activities the participant may perform include:
- Function independently and make decisions while in the field
- Travel to Southeast Alaska and potentially be stationed in remote locations (in some cases travel may be by float plane or boat)
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Be responsible for all equipment needed to perform any field work
- Field work and data collection may involve being stationed on active logging sites, in log yards and mill yards, and in sawmills
- Assist in project coordination and database management
- Conduct preliminary statistical analyses
- Contribute to research papers through literature reviews, analysis, writing, and creation of tables, graphs, text, and maps
It is anticipated that there will be opportunities for some professional travel to conferences/workshops during this appointment.
The appointment is full-time for 12 months with an anticipated start date of January 22, 2018, and may be renewed based upon recommendation of the USFS and availability of funding. The selected applicant will receive a stipend as support for their living and other expenses during this appointment. Stipend rates are determined by USFS officials, and are based on the applicant’s academic and professional background. Housing costs will not be paid. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. If the participant selects coverage under the ORISE policy, a supplement to the stipend may be provided to offset a portion of this expense.
The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, USDA, USFS, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.
This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.
For more information about the USFS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.
Applicants must have at least an MS degree (PhD preferred) in the field of forest products, forestry, or natural resources/environmental science (preferably with one degree in forestry or forest management). A strong background in quantitative sciences, including both conceptual knowledge and practical skills with databases and statistics is preferred. The applicant should be familiar with MS-Office and a statistical analysis system such as SAS or R. Field work (data collection) experience is essential. Knowledge of forest products is highly desired. Experience with designing, implementing, and reporting scientific research projects is highly preferred.
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.
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Discipline(s):
- Environmental and Marine Sciences (4 )
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