Postgraduate Air Quality Research Opportunity

Organization
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Reference Code
ARS-CPRL-2016-0008-02
How to Apply

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.
  • A current resume/CV

If you have questions, send an email to USDA-ARS@orau.org.  Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Description

A biological science or engineering research opportunity is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Conservation and Production Research Laboratory (CPRL) in Bushland, Texas. The selected applicant will assist in conducting scientific research, with duties to include:

  • Assists in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment, common to the assigned area of work.

  • Performs routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment.

  • Installs, maintains, and calibrates equipment and computerized systems used for field and laboratory research.

  • Collects, prepares, evaluates, and verifies samples and supporting records; maintains records and locates and compiles data and other information from various sources.

  • Keeps detailed records of experimental data. Tabulates, analyzes and summarizes data using personal computers and software packages.

The appointment is part-time for one year and may be renewed based upon recommendation of the ARS and availability of funding.  The annual stipend rate range for this position is $ 17,120 to $19,166 depending on qualifications.  A stipend supplement is available to offset the cost of a health insurance plan.  The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance.  The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, USDA, 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.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with ARS, this position requires a pre-appointment check and a full background investigation.

This 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.

For more information about the ARS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.

Qualifications

To be eligible, applicants must have received a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science, engineering, agriculture, mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry or a closely related field.  Knowledge or experience in agricultural field research, managing scientific instrumentation, computer data management, meteorology and working with cattle is desirable.  Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to speak, read, and write English.

Preferred Skills Include:

  • Knowledge of basic electricity, instrumentation, and programming to the extent necessary to install data acquisition systems, sensors, and connect conductors to recording equipment for gathering data.

  • Experience in operating scientific instrumentation.

  • Skill in managing computer databases.

  • Skill in keeping exact and detailed records of data obtained from experiments.

  • Ability to operate a personal computer and use common and specialized software.

  • Ability to follow assigned protocols, recognize, and report abnormal or unexpected results.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Earth and Geosciences (3 )
    • Engineering (2 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (4 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (5 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (1 )
    • Physics (2 )
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