Chemistry Research Scientist - Currently Pursuing or Received Doctoral Degree

Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
ERDC-EL-2021-0020
How to Apply

Click on Apply now to start your application.

Description

The Environmental Laboratory (EL) is one of the seven laboratories of U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (USACE-ERDC), which is the Army Corps of Engineers' integrated research and development (R&D) organization. EL provides solutions to environmental challenges for the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense and the Nation through environmental science and engineering research and development. Researchers in EL conduct research in ecosystem science and technology, environmental resiliency, environmental sensing, ecological modeling and forecasting, risk and decision science, environmentally sustainable material, systems biology, climate change, computational chemistry, environmental chemistry and environmental security.

What will I be doing?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will be part of a classified effort within ERDC.  The project  involves providing the chemistry component on a collaborative project with the Geospatial Lab (GSL).  There will be several dimensions to this research, which will afford many opportunities and experiences:

* designing and synthesizing organic molecules;
* analysis and purification of synthesized compounds;
* testing and evaluation of materials on a laboratory scale;
* involvement in scale-up of the compound preparation;
* group meeting to discuss research, evaluate progress, and plan future strategies;
* reading and discussing current chemical literature relevant to the project;
* publishing articles in a classified journal.

Where will I be located?  Location Varies

Why should I apply?

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?

ERDC-EL is ready to make an appointment immediately. Exact start date will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidates.

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

What is the length of of this appointment?

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.

 

Qualifications

The research involves hands-on synthesis of chemical compounds, which will require skill in experimentation.  The nature of the project and interactive development with GSL will increase some of the qualifications:

* Ability of obtain Secret clearance
* Graduate degree in Chemistry;
* Experience with bench chemistry techniques:
       -familiar with basic organic reactions;
       -willingness/ability to learn new skills and/or instrumentation;
       -conversant with chemical literature;
       -familiarity with isolation and purification techniques;
* Communication skills:
       -ability to discuss work in group meetings;
       -present work to collaborators;
       -write/contribute to journal articles.

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-2021-0020 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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Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Age: Must be 18 years of age
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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