Post-Master's Research Opportunity in Coastal Ecology
The 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.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected candidate will be participating in collaborative coastal ecology research. The participant will engage in research involving coastal projects focused on the use of Nature Based Solutions, Natural and Nature Based Features and Natural Infrastructure, among other topics. In addition, the participant will enhance their research experience with projects within the research portfolios of the coastal ecology research group including, but will not be limited to, assisting with experimental design, data collection, analysis of results and writing reports and papers. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, invertebrate ecology, submerged aquatic vegetation, salt marsh ecology, coastal restoration, invasive species, ecological study design, threatened and endangered species, among others.
Appointment Length
This appointment is a full-time twelve-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.
Participant Benefits
Participants 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
Nature of Appointment
The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, 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.
Qualifications
Candidate should have complete his/her MS in a biology, ecology or environmental engineering field of study.
Useful skills a candidate could bring to this opportunity include knowledge in:
- benthic invertebrate, vertebrate and coastal plant systems ecology;
- threatened and endangered species;
- restoration and resilience of coastal ecosystems;
- impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems;
- beneficial use of dredge material;
- natural and nature based features and natural infrastructure;
- applying quantitative approaches to studying coastal systems;
- statistical approaches to data analysis including spatial analyses;
- proficiency in working with large datasets; strong technical writing skills
Research may require physical exertion such as walking, bending, crouching, stretching, reaching, and similar activities on terrain that is rough, rocky, mountainous, and densely vegetated. Research may be performed in an outdoor environment including navigable rivers, nearshore, and areas ranging from very cold and wet to very hot and dry. This research may require physical exertion over very steep, wet, muddy, slippery, rough, uneven or rocky surfaces. Research may require collecting samples on a boat or submerged in waist-high water (about 3 to 4 feet) for extended periods of time. Lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 25 lbs is necessary to efficiently perform the work of the position and to provide for personal comfort and safety. This may include tools, personal protective equipment, and food and water to complete tasks away from vehicles for extended periods.