USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (SW CASC). Regional CASCs deliver science to support climate adaptation by natural and cultural resource managers. The selected candidate can report remotely, but preference will be given to candidates located in or willing to relocate to California, Arizona, Nevada, or Utah.

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 Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (SW CASC) delivers useful and useable science to natural and cultural resource managers so that they can plan for climate adaptation. There is growing awareness that climate change influences the spread of invasive species and that invasive species can interact with climate change, exacerbating impacts. The SW CASC is interested in synthesizing research on invasive species and climate change across the Southwest and engaging with natural and cultural resource managers to identify regional research, education, and communication priorities.

Learning Objectives: Specific activities may include, but are not limited to participating in:

• Conducting a structured literature review of invasive species research in the Southwest.
• Conducting research on climate change and invasive species.
• Engaging with regional scientists and managers interested in invasive species and with Regional Invasive Species & Climate Change (RISCC) Management Networks elsewhere in the US.
• Translating scientific information for distribution to resource managers or other interested audiences.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Stephanie McAfee (smcafee@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: November 15, 2024. 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 based on education, experience, and full-/part-time status. Health insurance for the candidate is provided, as are funds for project-related support and travel.

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 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.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields (e.g. ecology, biology, geography or a related field). Degree must have been received within the past five years, or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2024.

Preferred skills:

• Experience or education in western US ecology (terrestrial or aquatic) with a focus on invasive species.
• Experience with data analysis using programming languages such as R or Python.
• Experience with or interest in engaging with both academic and natural resource management partners to develop research projects or outreach materials related to the climate change and invasive species in the southwestern US.