Forest Pathology Fellowship
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
USFS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available with the US Forest Service (USFS), Pacific Northwest (PNW) Research Station located in Corvallis, Oregon.
At the heart of the U.S. 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 U.S. 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: The PNW Research Station Forest Health Laboratory is conducting several research projects using genetics and bioclimatic tools to (1) identify native and invasive forest pathogens, (2) determine spread pathways for pathogens (especially invasive pathogens), and (3) assess future invasive risks of forest pathogens in diverse forest ecosystems. Throughout the course of this research project, the selected participant will collaborate and learn from an interdisciplinary team of scientists, including scientists from the PNW Research Station, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Oregon State University, Colorado State University, and forest pathologists in State and Private Forestry.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will plan and conduct research including laboratory and field work to help develop tools for detecting, identifying, monitoring, and managing forest pathogens and associated microbes.
Learning Objectives: The participant will learn about the mission and research priorities of USFS and the PNW Research Station. The participant will have an opportunity to continue his/her research training/education in forest pathology by analyzing DNA-based genetic data from forest pathogens/microbes, predicting potential distribution of root disease pathogens, presenting and publishing research results, and conducting technology transfer. The participant will benefit from this learning/educational opportunity by gaining advanced knowledge and skills about forest pathology and fungal genetics in management of forest disease.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Mee-Sook Kim (meesook.kim@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 2021. Start date is flexible and negotiable, 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 USFS and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is part-time (~20 hours per week).
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, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.
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 USFS. Participants do not become employees of USDA, USFS, 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 USForestService@orise.orau.gov and include the reference code for this opportunity.