USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS),  Eastern Ecological Science Center, located at Laurel, Maryland.

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 USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center is searching for a highly motivated and talented quantitative research fellow or statistics fellow interested in participating in a suite of ecology, spatial modeling, and avian disease research. This opportunity will consist primarily of exploring analytical methods and approaches to improve our understanding of the role of wild waterfowl in the spread and persistence of avian influenza viruses. For instance, ongoing projects include informing spatial risk and agent-based models with quantitative telemetry data, prevalence rates, and pathobiology parameters. This opportunity also has numerous collaborations with other lab members built in, where the selected individual will gain experience on a variety of other projects including waterbird population and recruitment estimates as well as habitat restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay. There would be opportunities to participate in field research if desired, though this is not a requirement of the fellowship. Additional information about our broader scope of ongoing research can be found at https://www.usgs.gov/staff-profiles/diann-prosser

Learning Objectives: As a result of this opportunity, the participant will improve their skills in telemetry data analysis, movement modeling, and database management.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Diann Prosser (dprosser@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s). 

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: April 15, 2025. 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 renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate. The anticipated stipend is $60,000 annually.

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 have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past four years.

Preferred skills:

• Able to collaborate with lab members of various backgrounds (B.S. to postdoc) and help in experimental design and in guiding selection of analytical methods.
• Knowledge of R with experience in ArcGIS or other GIS platforms being beneficial.