What are the responsibilities and job description for the USGS Wildlife Health Research Fellowship position at U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)?
*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 Bozeman, Montana.
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.
Scientists at the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK) in Bozeman, Montana conduct research on five general research themes: 1) Biosurveillance of Biological Threats, 2) Wildlife Disease, 3) Fisheries and Water Resources, 4) Wildlife and Terrestrial Habitat, and 5) Cryosphere Science.
Research Project: USGS collaborates with National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service and State wildlife agencies on disease issues at the wildlife and livestock interface around the Greater Yellowstone Region. The current focus of the wildlife disease team is on chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and elk, supplemental feeding grounds, bison, and climate interactions with epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). Many of the projects combine field data collection with quantitative statistical and modeling analyses and are collaborations with natural resource managers, veterinarians, and academics. You will train on several ongoing research projects on wildlife disease around the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Learning Objectives: Through this mentored research experience, you will expand your knowledge of wildlife disease ecology, including principles of disease dynamics, surveillance strategies, and ecological modeling. You will gain hands-on experience conducting research activities such as field-based data collection in diverse environmental conditions, preparation and processing of biological samples, and analysis of ecological data using statistical and modeling approaches in R. Emphasis will be placed on building your analytical proficiency, interpreting research findings, and understanding how quantitative tools inform wildlife management and conservation decisions.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Paul Cross (pcross@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 15, 2026. 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 $50,000 - $61,700 annually.
Citizenship Requirements:
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.
Salary : $50,000 - $61,700