A complete application consists of:

• An application
• A current resume/CV
• Two references
• Transcripts – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript from the internal institution system may be submitted. Selected candidate may be required to provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start. 

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to usforestservice@orise.orau.gov. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

One postgraduate appointment is immediately available in the United States Forest Service (USFS) Research Participation Program. The USFS Research Participation Program prepares a diverse, highly talented, educated, and skilled pool of scientists and engineers to address agricultural and technology issues and enhance the future scientific and technical workforce knowledgeable and trained in fields of specific interest to USFS.

The participant will work with scientists from the USFS Pacific Northwest Research Station, Disturbance and Restoration Ecology team to conduct research related to disturbances in dry forest ecosystems, including forest restoration, wildlife habitat, wildfire effects, and climate change impacts. The participant will assist scientists with data management, development and implementation of spatial and statistical analyses, and preparation of reports and publications. The participant will collaborate with scientists to provide scientific and technical contributions to research activities such as:

• Contributing to research papers through literature reviews, analysis, writing, and creating tables, graphs, text and maps
• Developing, managing, and querying databases
• Assisting scientists in planning and implementing statistical analyses
• Compiling spatial data and conducting spatial analyses using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Gathering, organizing and interpreting data for proposals, reports, and publications
• Writing scripts and programs for use with databases, GIS, and statistical analysis
• Providing occasional logistical support and planning for research projects and field work
• Compiling and reviewing scientific literature on specific topics

Desired Appointment Start Date

July 1, 2016 - September 15, 2016

Appointment Locations

Wenatchee Forestry Sciences Laboratory - Wenatchee, WA

Participant Benefits

Research opportunities are typically full-time for one year and may be extended for up to four additional years upon recommendation of the Forest Service and are contingent on the availability of programmatic funds. The stipend rates will be determined by Forest Service officials and are based on the participant’s academic and professional background. A stipend supplement may be provided to offset the cost of health insurance. This position may offer opportunities for paid professional travel, as well as relocation allowance.

Nature of the Appointment

Participants will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, USDA, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

The desired candidate will have:

• Experience working on research projects and writing research papers
• Ability to program in R, SAS, Python, SQL, and/or Visual Basic
• MS or PhD degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in forestry, ecology, wildlife biology, computer science, statistics, or related field  
• Strong background in quantitative sciences, including both conceptual knowledge and practical skills with statistics, databases, and GIS
• Computer programming knowledge and experience

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Business (11 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (6 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (16 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (13 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (1 )