*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

USDA Forest Service Office/Lab and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) within the Forest Service Northern Research Station (NRS) located in Burlington, Vermont.

At the heart of the USDA Forest Service's mission is their purpose. Everything they do is intended to help sustain forests and grasslands for present and future generations. Why? Because their stewardship work supports nature in sustaining life. This is the purpose that drives the agency’s mission and motivates their work across the agency. It’s been there from the agency’s very beginning, and it still drives them. To advance the mission and serve their purpose, the USDA Forest Service balances the short and long-term needs of people and nature by: working in collaboration with communities and our partners; providing access to resources and experiences that promote economic, ecological, and social vitality; connecting people to the land and one another; and delivering world-class science, technology and land management.

Research Project: This internship will provide research training opportunities in a primarily laboratory setting. The overall goals of the associated research projects are to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying drought stress responses in trees, towards developing new approaches to make forest trees more resilient to drought. 

Learning Objectives: The successful applicant will be part of an interdisciplinary team and will receive training in molecular biology, imaging, tissue culture, and protein analyses. Opportunities for training in statistics and bioinformatics will also be available. Participation and presentations in lab meetings will be encouraged. Attending research seminars at the University of Vermont will also be encouraged.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Andrew Groover (andrew.t.groover@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: February, 2025.  Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for six months but may be extended upon recommendation of USDA Forest Service 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 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 USDA Forest Service. Participants do not become employees of USDA, USDA Forest Service, 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.USFS.NRS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received an associate's or bachelor's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past four years.

Preferred skills:

• Some experience in laboratory DNA isolation and analysis would be preferred.