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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), located in Hanover, New Hampshire, builds innovative products that support the warfighter, water resources, environment, infrastructure and homeland security. CRREL uses a multi-disciplinary research approach that solves the most difficult environmental physics and cold region engineering problems. With recognized international expertise, CRREL fosters partnerships across government agencies, academia and industry to solve complex problems.

What will I be doing?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will focus on geophysics and remote sensing and participate with a team on research projects concentrating on Arctic Sea ice dynamics and permafrost remote sensing. Projects include soil moisture detection with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and detection and classification of nearshore sea ice. Participation will involve a combination of office and field research in Interior Alaska.

Why should I apply?

You will gain experience while collaborating with a highly skilled team which focuses on the geophysics and remote sensing of sea ice.  You will learn state of the art techniques pertaining to the research of sea ice and develop an understanding on how this research pertains to our US Warfighters and civilian support staff.

Where will I be located?  Fairbanks, Alaska

What is the anticipated start date? June 3, 2024

Exact start date will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate.

What is the appointment length? 

This appointment is a full-time 10-week summer 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-CRREL. 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.

The ideal candidate will be pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree and will receive by June 20, 2025. 

Skills and knowledge in the following are preferred:

- Proficiency in database management, Python, and remote sensing techniques

- Proficiency in GPR data collection and processing

- Preferred experience working with permafrost geophysical data and soil moisture

- Preferred knowledge of machine learning applications for satellite imagery

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. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted. 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: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree to be received by 6/20/2025 12:00:00 AM.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
• Discipline(s):
  • Earth and Geosciences (9 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age