ORISE Research Opportunity: Plant Culture Science Research Technician

The Environmental Laboratory is the problem solver for the Corps and the Nation in environmental science and engineering research and development in support of environmental systems. The staff supports the environmental missions of the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense, and the Nation through research, development, special studies, and technology transfer. Environmental Laboratory research includes a network of expertise and facilities from other Engineer Research and Development Center ( ERDC) and Corps Laboratories, other government agencies, academia, and private sector. https://el.erdc.dren.mil/index.html 

The ideal candidate will gain experience in a variety of research activities including, but not limited to, aquatic plant culturing/maintenance, plant physiology, herbicide technology, and new and innovative strategies for managing nuisance aquatic plants and algae. Areas to gain expertise will include limnology, aquatic plant ecology/biology, hydrology, genomics, and herbicide physiology/biochemistry.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to research in a highly dynamic interdisciplinary environment, exceptional record keeping skills and a working knowledge of aquatic weed science research methods. The candidate will receive mentoring from federal research scientists and technicians and assist in meeting research obligations with the opportunity to contribute to publications and/or technical reports.  

Desired start date: February 3, 2020

This ORISE appointment period is 12 months in length. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

Participants 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:

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with DOD or any other agency, this opportunity may require a suitability investigation/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending favorable outcome of the investigation.

Successful completion of Master's Degree or fulfilled the requirements to earn Master's Degree prior to start date (Feb. 2020) in Agronomy/Weed Science or related discipline. Preferred qualifications include knowledge in aquatic/wetland plant identification and specific knowledge in the management of nuisance aquatic plants. The ideal candidate must have knowledge and understanding of herbicides (use patterns, mode of action, etc) and research experience involving aquatic plants. Additional experience/qualifications preferred but not required: proficient in the use of SAS, Microsoft office, ArcGIS. 

If you have questions, send an email to usace@orise.orau.gov list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email.