Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center Invasive Species Research Fellow
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI), United States Geological Survey (USGS), Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (SW CASC). The participant can be based at any member institution of the SW CASC University Consortium (University of Arizona; Northern Arizona University; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Utah State University; University of California, Davis; University of California, Los Angeles; Scripps Institution of Oceanography at University of California, San Diego).
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.
The SW CASC delivers useful and useable science to natural and cultural resource managers so that they can plan for climate adaptation. Invasive species have long been a problem in the Southwest. There is growing awareness that climate change influences the spread of invasive species, and that invasive species can interact with climate change, exacerbating impacts. The SW CASC is interested working with natural and cultural resource managers to identify and meet regional research, education and communication needs related to invasive species and climate change.
Research Project: A research opportunity is available with the Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (SW CASC). Regional CASCs deliver science to support climate adaptation by natural and cultural resource managers. The selected candidate will be based at a SW CASC University Consortium member institution and will be mentored by university faculty and US Geological Survey staff.
With guidance, specific activities may include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting research on climate change and invasive species, including ecological or social science research.
- Engaging with regional scientists and managers interested in invasive species and with
Regional Invasive Species & Climate Change (RISCC) Management Networks in the Southwest and elsewhere in the US. - Translating scientific information for distribution to resource managers or other interested audiences.
Learning Objectives: Participants will learn about:
- Conducting user-engaged science
- Invasive species concerns and management approaches in the Southwest, and;
- Science communication and translation
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Stephanie McAfee (smcafee@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 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 part time.
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 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 be currently pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields (e.g. ecology, biology, geography, natural resources management, or a related field).
Preferred skills:
- Experience or education in Southwestern US ecology (terrestrial or aquatic) and/or natural resource management with a focus on invasive species.
- Experience with or interest in engaging with both academic and natural resource management partners to develop research projects or outreach materials related to the climate change and invasive species in the southwestern US.
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Degree: Currently pursuing a Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree.