Aquatic Plant Ecology and Management Research: - Master's or Doctoral

Organization

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Reference Code

ERDC-EL-2025-0006

How To Apply

Click on Apply now to start your application.

Description

The Environmental Laboratory (EL) is one of the seven laboratories of U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (USACE-ERDC), which is the Army Corps of Engineers' integrated research and development (R&D) organization. EL provides solutions to environmental challenges for the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense and the Nation through environmental science and engineering research and development. Researchers in EL conduct research in ecosystem science and technology, environmental resiliency, environmental sensing, ecological modeling and forecasting, risk and decision science, environmentally sustainable material, systems biology, climate change, computational chemistry, environmental chemistry and environmental security.

What will I be doing?

Aquatic plant management science through studies of plant ecology, chemical and biological control of insect or weed pests. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will participate in numerous research projects related to invasive species ecology and management and insect-plant interactions. Specific research opportunities may include: determination of environmental tolerances of invasive pests, improving the use of host-specific insect herbivores to manage environmental weeds through improved rearing and release methods, developing new use-patterns for pesticides of invasive species, determining the importance of genetic diversity in large-scale plant invasions and its importance for classical biological control, and integrated pest management of environmental weeds through a combination of biological and chemical control methods. There is potential to gain additional research experience by collaborating with a diverse scientific team in diverse areas such as fate and transport of environmental contaminants through trophic interactions, plant disease-vector dynamics, forest pest management, and experimental design and statistical modeling.

Why should I apply?

This fellowship provides the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed research forward.

Where will I be located? Lewisville, Texas

What is the anticipated start date?

Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate.

What is the appointment length?

This appointment is a full-time twelve-month research appointment. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the appointment provisions?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by ERDC-EL. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (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 DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a master's or doctoral degree or receive their degree by 12/31/2028 in Entomology, Ecology, or related field. Knowledge in biological control, pests of natural and agricultural systems, or invasive plant ecology is a plus. Strong publication record, attention to detail, demonstrated self-motivation, and the ability to conduct research with a multi-disciplinary team. The participant should be proficient in data collection and management, and basic statistical analyses, and have previous experience supporting research or conducting their own research.

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• One recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

Submitted documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation. If you have questions, send an email to USACE@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing. Please do not send application materials to the email address above.

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Point of Contact

Debbie

Eligibility Requirements">12 )

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2028 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
• Chemistry and Materials Sciences (