What are the responsibilities and job description for the USGS Watershed Biogeochemistry Postdoctoral Fellowship position at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education?
Organization
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
Reference Code
DOI-USGS-2026-43
How To Apply
To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.
A Complete Application Consists Of
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!”
Application Deadline
7/31/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
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: An ORISE postdoctoral fellow is anticipated to engage with the watershed biogeochemistry research program at the USGS New York Water Science Center based in Troy, New York. The research program quantifies watershed biogeochemical dynamics to inform soil and water resource management decisions with a particular focus on terrestrial-aquatic linkages that govern the transport and transformation of carbon and nutrients. The principal study areas include watersheds in the Adirondack and Catskill regions, as well as areas of concern across New York State. Access to laboratory space and equipment is available to the fellow for measuring soil and water chemistry (e.g., elemental analysis, leachates, major ions, nutrients, organic matter characterization via UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy). Access to isotope and/or high-resolution mass spectrometry is available through collaborating USGS laboratories.
In addition, in-situ sensors and trace gas measurement methods are available. The fellow will have the opportunity to research directly with these methods and to contribute to synthesis efforts in collaboration with USGS and external collaborators. This research informs the development of regional biogeochemical inventories (stocks and fluxes), prediction of long-term water quality trends, and improved understanding of drinking water source protection related to disinfection byproduct precursors.
Learning Objectives: The fellow will have the opportunity to gain experience in field sampling, sensor maintenance, laboratory analyses, data management, statistical analysis, and the interpretation of results through peer-reviewed publications. Some research objectives are expected to be tailored to align with the participant’s interests to maximize scientific training and professional development. There will be opportunities to expand research experience, receive mentorship from USGS scientists, build technical and professional skills, strengthen publication records, explore career pathways, and contribute to impactful science that informs watershed management
Mentor: The primary mentor for this opportunity is Kevin Ryan (karyan@usgs.gov). Additional mentorship from other USGS scientists and external collaborators will be available and encouraged. If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s) with the subject line 'Watershed Biogeochemistry Fellowship'.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 2027. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for two years, 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 $6,000 - $7,695 monthly.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens 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 doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past two years, or anticipated to be received by 1/1/2027.
Preferred Skills
$6,000.00 – $7,695.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Rachel
Eligibility Requirements">2 )
U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)
Reference Code
DOI-USGS-2026-43
How To Apply
To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.
A Complete Application Consists Of
- An application
- Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
- Two educational or professional recommendations. At least one recommendation must be submitted in order for the mentor to view your application.
Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!”
Application Deadline
7/31/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
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: An ORISE postdoctoral fellow is anticipated to engage with the watershed biogeochemistry research program at the USGS New York Water Science Center based in Troy, New York. The research program quantifies watershed biogeochemical dynamics to inform soil and water resource management decisions with a particular focus on terrestrial-aquatic linkages that govern the transport and transformation of carbon and nutrients. The principal study areas include watersheds in the Adirondack and Catskill regions, as well as areas of concern across New York State. Access to laboratory space and equipment is available to the fellow for measuring soil and water chemistry (e.g., elemental analysis, leachates, major ions, nutrients, organic matter characterization via UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy). Access to isotope and/or high-resolution mass spectrometry is available through collaborating USGS laboratories.
In addition, in-situ sensors and trace gas measurement methods are available. The fellow will have the opportunity to research directly with these methods and to contribute to synthesis efforts in collaboration with USGS and external collaborators. This research informs the development of regional biogeochemical inventories (stocks and fluxes), prediction of long-term water quality trends, and improved understanding of drinking water source protection related to disinfection byproduct precursors.
Learning Objectives: The fellow will have the opportunity to gain experience in field sampling, sensor maintenance, laboratory analyses, data management, statistical analysis, and the interpretation of results through peer-reviewed publications. Some research objectives are expected to be tailored to align with the participant’s interests to maximize scientific training and professional development. There will be opportunities to expand research experience, receive mentorship from USGS scientists, build technical and professional skills, strengthen publication records, explore career pathways, and contribute to impactful science that informs watershed management
Mentor: The primary mentor for this opportunity is Kevin Ryan (karyan@usgs.gov). Additional mentorship from other USGS scientists and external collaborators will be available and encouraged. If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s) with the subject line 'Watershed Biogeochemistry Fellowship'.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: January 2027. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for two years, 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 $6,000 - $7,695 monthly.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens 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 doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past two years, or anticipated to be received by 1/1/2027.
Preferred Skills
- Relevant research experience in hydrology, analytical chemistry, biogeochemistry, and/or soil science.
- Desirable skills include field and analytical laboratory experience, data science and programming competencies (e.g., R, Git), and scientific writing.
- Self-motivated, effective communication skills, and comfortable within an interdisciplinary team.
$6,000.00 – $7,695.00 Monthly
Point of Contact
Rachel
Eligibility Requirements">2 )
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 24 months or anticipated to be received by 1/1/2027 12:00:00 AM.
- Discipline(s):
- Chemistry and Materials Sciences (
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Salary : $6,000 - $7,695