USGS Fellowship on Climate Change and Invasive Species Research Prioritization
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A complete application package 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. Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start. Click Here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- A current resume/CV
- Two educational or professional recommendations. At least one recommendation must be submitted in order for the mentor to view your application.
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The position will ideally be located at the U.S. Geological Survey Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (NE CASC) office on the campus of University of Massachusetts in Amherst, in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts. This is a fantastic location, with a remarkable mix of college atmosphere (Smith, Mt Holyoke, Hampshire, and Amherst Colleges are also here), culture, and natural resources. However, other locations will also be considered.
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 Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (RISCC) Management network (risccnetwork.org) aims to reduce the compounding effects of invasive species and climate change by synthesizing relevant science, communicating the needs of managers to researchers, building stronger scientist-manager communities, and conducting priority research.
The RISCC Management network, in collaboration with the National Invasive Species Council, is seeking a Fellow to conduct research at the intersection of climate science and invasive species management to contribute to prioritizing management action in the face of global change across the U.S. As a member of the RISCC network, the Fellow will collaborate in stakeholder-driven research and engage in actionable science and science communication that serves the network.
The Fellow will be mentored by Toni Lyn Morelli, a Research Ecologist with the NE CASC (necasc.umass.edu). Dr. Morelli helped found the RISCC network in 2016 and continues to act as co-lead of the Northeast RISCC Management network. She also coordinates across the expanded network and holds leadership roles in 4 of the 5 regional RISCCs (Pacific, Northwest, North Central, and Northeast). More at https://necasc.umass.edu/people/toni-lyn-morelli.
Learning Objectives: The primary focus will be to synthesize natural resource manager and practitioner survey results in order to better understand the needs for research and policy to address the major global change stressors of invasive species and climate change. The Fellow will also actively participate in working groups at the multiple RISCC networks around the country as well as the National Invasive Species Council, creating opportunities to build collaborations and contribute to research projects and to interact with agency and academic scientists across multiple institutions. There will be opportunities to apply for grant funding, collaborate with a diversity of partners, and potentially pursue their own research ideas.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Toni Lyn Morelli (tmorelli@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 15, 2022. 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 extended upon recommendation of USGS 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, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals.
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 have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields listed in the eligibility requirements section (e.g. Ecology, Environmental Science, Resource Management, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology).
Preference will be given to candidates who have worked closely with manager or practitioner stakeholders.
Underrepresented minority applicants are highly encouraged to apply
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in ecology and/or qualitative and survey methods, ideally with experience and interest in invasive species and/or climate change.
- A strong work ethic, creativity, and experience in writing.
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