USGS Thermal Disease Dynamics in Wildlife Hosts
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) located in Madison, Wisconsin.
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.
Research Project: This project studies the relationship between disease dynamics and temperature in wildlife. The objective of this is to measure the infection dynamics and functional immunity of amphibians to a fungal skin pathogen. The dynamic outcomes include measuring the growth rate of the pathogen on the host, the ability of the host to resist infection, and the consequences of infection on host populations. The research combines controlled animal systems and natural wild systems to examine infection dynamics using molecular and microbiological approaches.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. During your appointment, you will engage in activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to:
- Detection and quantification of micro-organisms using quantitative and conventional PCR
- Culture media and growth of microorganisms
- in vivo research techniques using wild animals
- Bioinformatic data processing
- Study design
Throughout your participation, you will have the opportunity to advance your general molecular biology skills, scientific communication, methods development, presentation and communication skills. In addition, you will collaborate with a diverse team of researchers with the common goal of advancing wildlife health science for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Daniel Grear (dgrear@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: As soon as possible. 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 full time.
Participant Stipend: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate. The anticipated stipend range is $5,000 -$5,500 monthly.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.
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 or have received a bachelor's or master's degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past one year and six months, or anticipated to be received by 5/1/2026.
Preferred skills:
- Good organizational and communication skills
- Ability to perform independently and in a team
- BA/BS degree or MS degree in Zoology, Biology, Ecology, Wildlife or suitable equivalent or current enrollment
- Previous laboratory experience with microbiology and molecular biology
- Comfortable with live animals
- MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint (experience with databases or R language for statistical computing a plus)
- Valid US driver’s license
Stipend
$5,000.00 – $5,500.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
- Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 18 months or anticipated to be received by 5/1/2026 12:00:00 AM.