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Post-Master's Research Opportunity in Geology and Soil Science

The US Army Engineer Research & Development Center (ERDC) Environmental Laboratory (EL) provides relevant, value-added technology supporting the environmental mission of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Army, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Nation. Headquartered in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the EL’s interdisciplinary staff of over 220 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel plans and executes all phases of the technology development process, from basic research to field implementation to commercialization. The EL staff consists of problem solvers who use research, development, experimentation, special studies, and technical support to address the needs of national and international business development partners. Partnering with Federal and State agencies, academia, and the private sector, the EL uses its distinctive technical capabilities to resolve complex, multi-disciplinary environmental sustainability problems. 

What will I be doing?

You will gain experience in a variety of environmental research activities including; but not limited to, environmental field sampling, chemical, mineralogical, and physical characterizations of soil and water, fate and transport of newly emerging organic and inorganic contaminants of concern, proximal soil sensing, geostatistics, geoforensics, and data input and analytics. You will receive mentoring from federal research scientists and assist in meeting research obligations with the opportunity to generate research proposals, publications, and/or technical reports. Some travel for research expeditions and/or meetings and conferences is likely.

Projects include life cycle considerations for new materials, soil contamination issues, physical and chemical characterization, soil inorganic and organic contamination (i.e. arsenic, mercury, pesticides, explosives), and soil processes in extreme environments. Project specifics include: (1) Identifying and quantifying changes in geochemical properties, and corresponding vis-NIR and mid-IR spectroscopic responses based on soil pedomorphological type, (2) utilizing a multidisciplinary approach (geochemical, geospatial, microbial, soil morphology, chemometrics, pedometrics) and cutting-edge data analytics to develop theoretical and empirical approaches for describing soil processes, and (3) parameterizing the environmental fate and transport of newly developed munitions in soil.

Where will I be located?

Vicksburg, MS

Why should I apply?

This internship provides the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed research forward. There are multiple opportunities available to engage in your applied research and evaluation interests.

What is the anticipated start date? 

ERDC-EL is ready to make an appointment. Exact start date will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidates. 

What are the benefits?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by ERDC-EL. 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

This ORISE appointment is a full-time 12 month-opportunity. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

Nature of the Appointment

You will 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.

Qualifications

You should possess a master's degree in geology, soil science, or related field. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 60 months