USDA-ARS Assessments of Soil Health and Primary Productivity in the Lower Mississippi River Basin
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
- Two educational or professional recommendations
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!”
*Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis.
ARS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), located in Oxford, Mississippi.
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency with a mission to find solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans every day from field to table. ARS will deliver cutting-edge, scientific tools and innovative solutions for American farmers, producers, industry, and communities to support the nourishment and well-being of all people; sustain our nation’s agroecosystems and natural resources; and ensure the economic competitiveness and excellence of our agriculture. The vision of the agency is to provide global leadership in agricultural discoveries through scientific excellence.
Research Project: The research mission of the USDA-ARS National Sedimentation Laboratory, Water Quality and Ecology Research Unit, is to study impacts of agricultural practices and conservation measures on water and soil quality, as well as ecosystem services such as primary productivity in farming systems. The research is expected to advance knowledge of soil health and primary productivity from data analysis of research within the Lower Mississippi River Basin. Research will improve knowledge of soil physical, chemical, and biological processes, transport of nutrients and sediment, and primary productivity in agricultural watersheds of the region.
APPOINTMENT ACITIVITES:
- The participant will collaborate with USDA-ARS research scientists and support scientists to assemble, organize, and analyze research soil and primary productivity data from projects involving assessments of conservation practices.
- The participant will assess the statistical significance of research data and organize summary data into figures and tables.
Learning Objectives:
- The participant will gain valuable experience collaborating with an interdisciplinary research team addressing the sustainability and environmental aspects of soil health and primary productivity.
- The participant will develop skills in data management and statistics in soil science, biogeochemistry, and ecology.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Martin Locke (martin.locke@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2024/2025. 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 ARS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) 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 ARS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, ARS, 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: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE.ARS.Southeast@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's or master's degree in the one of the relevant fields.
Preferred skills:
- Soil and plant science background with experience in R, general statistical packages, preparing figures and tables for reports and presentations, and managing large datasets with soil and plant data.
- Familiarity with agricultural management systems.
- Time management: Punctual and able to devote hours to assigned tasks.
- Dependable: Thorough, trustworthy, and provide a high level of attention to detail.
- Perform research independently.
- Willing and capable of being trained in appropriate data management techniques.
ORISE GO
The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!
