USFS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Aquatic Habitats

A postdoctoral research opportunity is currently available at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), in the Pacific Northwest Research Station (PNW), Land and Watershed Management Program located in Corvallis, Oregon.

Information about aquatic ecosystems and best available science contribute to the ability of Forest Managers to effectively make planning decisions including the development of habitat condition criteria that guide restoration actions. The selected participant will contribute to an update of aquatic habitat condition guidelines for the Tongass National Forest, Alaska, through the analysis of long-term datasets describing stream conditions and fish population estimates. This analysis will include novel assessments of existing data and should provide insights about the responsiveness of streams segments to past management, including timber harvest and restoration treatments. The results are expected to provide a foundation from which to re-assess target goals for streams in the Tongass National Forest through the inclusion of climate characterizations of river systems. The participant will contribute to and possibly lead publications describing aquatic habitat complexity, diversity, stream temperature, and fishes in SE Alaska.

The PNW Research Station Corvallis Forest Science Laboratory is a hub for the development of innovative and relevant science that informs management of aquatic habitats. Additional information about the USDA Pacific Northwest Research Station can be found at https://www.fs.fed.us/outernet/pnw/. With guidance from a mentor, the participant will gain experience in collaborating with USDA agencies, particularly the Forest Service, and collaborating with partnering academic institutions, in particular Oregon State University, in facilitating a comprehensive assessment of long-term stream habitat datasets; developing map products at forest and local scales; and synthesizing scientific publications for natural resources managers, forest land owners, and policy makers.

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. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of USFS and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. The annual stipend will be $66,250. Relocation allowances will not be provided, but 75% of a health insurance supplement will be provided. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at USFS in the Corvallis, Oregon, area. Participants do not become employees of USDA, USFS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

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.

For more information about the USFS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.

If you have questions, send an email to USForestService@orise.orau.gov. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (USDA-USFS-2021-0034) in your email.