USGS National Wildlife Health Center Internship

USGS Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is 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. The mission of the USGS National Wildlife Health Center is to advance wildlife health science for the benefit of animals, humans, and the environment.

Research Project: 

• Emergency Response Preparedness: The intern will collaborate with our Center’s Leadership Team and emergency management experts at the Department of the Interior to learn about the development of response plans to emerging wildlife diseases that threaten human or agricultural animal health.
• Laboratory Operations and Training: The intern will contribute to laboratory investigations into wildlife disease events, including large-scale die-offs of unknown cause, to monitor for diseases that could pose risks to public safety, the agriculture industry, the economy, or outdoor recreation.

Learning Objectives: 

• Mentorship and guidance: The intern will be paired with a mentor who will guide them through their learning and help them learn about the agency.
• Professional development: Through the internship experience program, we offer opportunities for training and development to expand the participant’s knowledge, skillset, and professional network.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Ariel Leon (aleon@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s). 

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2025. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 4 months, 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.

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 have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past one year and six months.