USDA-FS Fellowship for Preparation and Analysis of Environmental Samples

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

USDA Forest Service Office/Lab and Location: A fellowship opportunity is available with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) within the Forest Service Northern Research Station (NRS) located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Grand Rapids is a small, rural community in north-central Minnesota. The Forestry Sciences Laboratory is located on the University of Minnesota North Central Research and Outreach Center adjacent to the Minnesota North Community College - Itasca Campus. 

Grand Rapids is located among the forests, lakes, and headwater streams of the Mississippi River in rural, north-central Minnesota. The Northern Research Forestry Sciences Laboratory supports forest, ecology, aquatics, and hydrological research throughout the region, including research at the Marcell, Cutfoot, and Pike Bay Experimental Forests. The participant will report in-person to the facility up to 5 days a week, with no possibility for remote participation. The chemistry laboratory in the Grand Rapids Forestry Sciences Laboratory supports studies of forest and resource management. The office is part of the Research and Development mission area of the USDA Forest Service. In addition to research of NRS scientists, the laboratory supports analysis for the NRS Forest Inventory and Analysis Program, other cooperating federal agencies, and academic partners.

At the heart of the USDA Forest Service's mission is their purpose. Everything they do is intended to help sustain forests and grasslands for present and future generations. Why? Because their stewardship work supports nature in sustaining life. This is the purpose that drives the agency’s mission and motivates their work across the agency. It’s been there from the agency’s very beginning, and it still drives them. To advance the mission and serve their purpose, the USDA Forest Service balances the short and long-term needs of people and nature by: working in collaboration with communities and our partners; providing access to resources and experiences that promote economic, ecological, and social vitality; connecting people to the land and one another; and delivering world-class science, technology and land management.

Research Project: Fellows will gain awareness of a range of activities associated with a chemistry laboratory. Fellows will gain perspective on and experience how soil samples are prepared for chemical analysis. Samples may be soil, sediment, plant tissue, or water collected from studies. Mentored by a research scientist serving as project leader, fellows will train on laboratory techniques and equipment used by a laboratory manager (chemist), a physical sciences technician, and other staff. Through these interactions, fellows will have time to see how and why samples are prepared for chemical analysis. Forest Service staff will share through discussions and hands-on training how science support positions contribute to research in government agencies and academia. Secondary opportunities may include gaining knowledge and experience in field research associated with watershed and forest ecology studies including physical and biological measurements or sample collection.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, you will have the opportunity to learn to:

1. Understand how and why samples are prepared for chemical analysis and apply that knowledge.

2. Gain familiarity with the laboratory techniques and equipment used to prepare samples for chemical analysis.

3. Develop laboratory skills and gain exposure to research and research operations that support the mission of Forest Service Research and Development.

4. Gain understanding and how science support positions contribute to research in government agencies and academia.

There may be opportunities, including field activities, to shadow Forest Service and cooperating science support staff while participating in other research that is based out of the office. 

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Stephen Sebestyen (stephen.sebestyen@usda.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 2026.  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 extended upon recommendation of USDA Forest Service and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The fellowship is expected to at a partial level of participation. The duration of the appointment is flexible, with a minimum expectation of about a semester. If extended over the summer, there may be opportunity to participate at a higher level of participation.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Anticipated stipend range is $680 - $1,360 monthly.

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. Foreign national candidates may have a mandatory in-person requirement depending on visa status.

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 USDA Forest Service. Participants do not become employees of USDA, USDA Forest Service, 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: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.USFS.NRS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Salary : $680 - $1,360