ERDC Coastal Hydraulics Laboratory: Coastal Morphology Modeling Research
Reference Code
ERDC-CHL-2024-0007
Description
The Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL, est. 1996) multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers and support personnel is internationally recognized for its world-class research. This laboratory includes more than 150 engineers and scientists and a number of contractors, including more than 60 doctorate and master’s degrees. Along with access to unique, cutting-edge facilities, these team members have the experimental and computational expertise needed to solve water resource problems worldwide. CHL addresses an entire spectrum of water resource challenges in groundwater, watersheds, rivers, reservoirs, estuaries, harbors, coastal inlets and wetlands.
What will I be doing?
Presently, predictions of nearshore morphology change are insufficiently accurate to meet the needs of USACE engineers and planers. Properly characterizing changes in the area landward of the dune or coastal structure, with valuable infrastructure, is of particular importance in the planning coastal projects. Nevertheless, the processes of dune erosion and over-wash remain poorly understood and modeled with the present technology.
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will utilize existing coastal morphology models (SBEACH, CSHORE, XBeach) in a model/data comparison effort, making use of some comprehensive newly available data that has exhibits pronounced dune erosion, over-wash, and lowering. With an understanding the shortcomings, you will collaborate with senior researchers and gain knowledge in the formulation of improvements. These advances could be integrated into the CSHORE model or into a newer model that is currently developing.
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? Location Varies
What is the anticipated start date?
ERDC-CHL is ready to make an appointment immediately. Exact start date will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate.
What is the length of the appointment?
This ORISE appointment is a full-time four-month opportunity. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.
What are the benefits?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by ERDC-CHL. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits 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 scientific computer programming experience for data processing. Additionally, experience with numerical modeling, earth and geosciences, engineering, mathematics, statistics and other physical sciences is required. Knowledgeable in programing languages such as Matlab preferred.
A complete application consists of:
- Zintellect profile
- Essay Questions - The application includes questions specific to the opportunity.
- Academic Records - An official transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.
- One (1) 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. The status will go from Started to Submitted and then to Completed once the required recommendations have been received.
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. 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. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation. 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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Eligibility Requirements
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
- Overall GPA: 3.00
- Academic Level(s): Graduate Students, Post-Bachelor's, Postdoctoral, Post-Master's, or Undergraduate Students.
- Discipline(s):
- Age: Must be 18 years of age