To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

A complete application 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. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list

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

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USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This opportunity is remote.

The USGS mission is to monitor, analyze, and predict current and evolving dynamics of complex human and natural Earth-system interactions and to deliver actionable intelligence at scales and timeframes relevant to decision makers. As the Nation's largest water, earth, and biological science and civilian mapping agency, USGS collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides science about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems.

Research Project: The ORISE Research Participant will gain experience collaborating with various members of the scientific community including NC State faculty, federal cooperators, tribal representatives, and a postdoctoral research associate, to engage with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and other entities to evaluate and document long-term anthropogenic threats, refine understanding of Tribal member and partner values, and improve spatial data management systems and planning tools. The Research Participant will help develop and analyze spatial resource models, improve spatial data management systems, and produce planning tools that will strengthen landscape scale conservation opportunities for the EBCI and partners. Objectives for this fellowship may include one or more of the following:

Analyzing data and developing associated databases to conduct conservation modeling and produce planning and decision support tools.

• Using existing data sources and region-wide conservation strategy frameworks, in particular the Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy (SECAS) and the associated Conservation Blueprint, to provide foundational information for an actionable conservation plan which centers on the values and priorities of Tribal citizens and other stakeholders.
• Designing engagement workshops with EBCI Natural Resource staff and/or other tribal communities (e.g., Elder’s Advisory Board, Cherokee Speakers Consortium, Timber and Natural Resources Committee, etc.), and external partners (e.g., NPS, USFS, NC WRC, TNC) to elicit input to guide prioritization and disseminate mapping updates to the Conservation Blueprint.
• Identifying focal data and modeling needs to inform spatial and temporal prioritization of conservation actions.
• Helping EBCI in development of an integrated and spatially explicit database management system for the EBCI Natural Resources Department to monitor the implementation of priorities identified in this planning proposal.
• Helping partners to integrate findings into EBCI planning documents (e.g., Legacy Plan, Cherokee Wildlife Action Plan, Forest Management Plan).

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the ORISE participant will gain experience within SE CASC programs and projects. Some learning objectives may include:

• Gaining experience in the various facets of research project proposals including reviewing project progress and final reports, collaborating with project investigators, project kickoff/check-ins, the close-out process, drafting summaries of proposal reviews (integrating feedback from multiple reviews) and new award review/approval. 
• Ensuring project tracking systems contain complete and accurate data for all SE CASC projects, looking for ways to improve systems and processes.
• Gaining experience completing review checks related to geospatial data publication
• Under guidance of the SE CASC Research Coordinator, update the SE CASC Portfolio Analysis (completed 2022) using existing methods and templates, to include projects funded since 2022.
• Collaborating with the SE CASC Regional Administrator and Research Coordinator on tasks related to strategic science planning, including identification of future priorities for research funding.
• Learning about leadership standards and contributing to science synthesis and other science communication efforts.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Jennifer Cartwright (jmcart@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s). 

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 2025. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

ORISE Information: This 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 USGS. Participants do not become employees of USGS, 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: If you have questions about the application process please email USGS@orau.org  and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. 

Ideal candidate will have skills and experience relevant to most or all of the project description components.

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (3 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51 )
  • Other Non-Science & Engineering (13 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (30 )