Environmental Microbiology- Postdoctoral-Currently Pursuing or Degree Received
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The US Army Engineer Research & Development Center (ERDC) Environmental Laboratory (EL) provides relevant, value-added technology supporting the environmental mission of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Army, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Nation. Headquartered in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the EL’s interdisciplinary staff of over 220 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel plans and executes all phases of the technology development process, from basic research to field implementation to commercialization. The EL staff consists of problem solvers who use research, development, experimentation, special studies, and technical support to address the needs of national and international business development partners. Partnering with Federal and State agencies, academia, and the private sector, the EL uses its distinctive technical capabilities to resolve complex, multi-disciplinary environmental sustainability problems.
What will I be doing?
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will be part of a team researching multiple projects focused on various aspects of environmental microbiology. Specific projects include baseline microbiome characterizations of natural subterranean systems representing different geographical locations, testing and evaluating existing DNA based commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) analysis/sensor platforms in the lab and field, and developing, testing and fielding new experimental detection technologies targeting specific microorganisms. You will conduct a series of laboratory, field, and mesocosm studies focused on detecting natural threats in the environment. You should have skills in: a) enriching, culturing, and characterizing environmental microorganisms and microbial communities, b) designing and utilizing molecular and cellular diagnostic assays in lab and field settings, c) performing high-throughput DNA sequencing with some skill in bioinformatics analysis. You will acquire skills in the development and implementation DNA and cell based diagnostics for field application. You will gain experience through mentor-ship by senior lab personnel and principle investigators by assisting with publications, technical reports and presentations. You will also learn leadership skills as a mentor to BS-level technicians. Good communication, and interpersonal and writing skills are essential as well as a willingness to work in a highly multidisciplinary environment.
Where will I be located? Vicksburg, Mississippi
This internship provides the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed research forward. There are multiple opportunities available to engage in your applied research and evaluation interests.
What is the anticipated start date?
The anticipated start date is November 1, 2021 . The exact start date will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate.
What are the benefits?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by ERDC-EL. Stipends are typically based on the 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
This ORISE appointment is a full-time 12 month opportunity. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.
Nature of the Appointment
You will 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.
Eligibility Requirements:
- PhD degree or currently pursuing with a graduation date by January 2022
- U.S. citizen or LPR
Preferred Skills:
- Microbiological and molecular biology techniques,
- Microbial genomic sequencing
- Bioinformatics (microbial genome assembly/annotation and microbial community analysis)
- Some experience in apply molecular tools in the field.
A complete application consists of:
- Zintellect profile
- Educational and Employment History
- Essay Questions - The application includes questions specific to the opportunity
- 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.
- Current Resume/CV
- One (1) Recommendation - Applicants are required to provide contact information for at least one recommendation. You are encouraged to request a recommendation from a professional who can speak to your abilities and potential for success as well as your scientific capabilities and personal characteristics. Recommendation requests must be sent through the Zintellect application system. Recommenders will be asked to complete a recommendation in Zintellect. Letters of recommendation submitted via email will not be accepted.
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 ERDC-EL-2021-0017 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: LPR or U.S. Citizen
- Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 1/1/2022 11:59:00 PM.
- Minimum Overall GPA: 3.00
- Discipline(s):
- Age: Must be 18 years of age
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