USGS Climate Adaptation Fellowship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) offers a research opportunity in Saint Paul, Minnesota, through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The program provides a stipend and focuses on climate adaptation in park facilities, with strong collaboration across federal partners and the DOI framework.

The appointment lasts nine months, starting December 1, 2026 (flexible start). It emphasizes engagement with resource managers, climate vulnerability assessments, and science communication

Qualifications

• The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past four years.
• Citizenship: open to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and certain foreign nationals.

Responsibilities

• Develop a framework that structures climate adaptive practices for Midwest National Park facilities.
• Engage with resource managers to incorporate local knowledge and context into planning and assessments.

Education

Doctoral degree

Job description

Application Requirements

• 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.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

Description

Applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis and applications may close before the deadline.

USGS Office/Lab and Location

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) located in Saint Paul, Minnisota.

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

This project will develop a framework that structures and guides the consideration and inclusion of climate adaptive practices for facilities in the Midwest region of the National Park system. This includes robust engagement of resource managers for local knowledge and context, climate change vulnerability and hazards assessments, consideration of planning process, and the identification of climate adaptation opportunities.

Learning Objectives

You will have the opportunity to learn about filling information gaps in climate effects on infrastructure, build experience in decision science, hone skills in science communication, better understand the needs of the natural resource management community, engage with federal partners, and gain valuable experience being a part of a partnership-driven program within a federal science agency.

Mentor

The mentor for this opportunity is Olivia LeDee ([e-mail]). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

December 1, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length

The appointment will initially be for nine 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.

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 [e-mail] and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past four years.

Stipend

$81,415.00 – $97,582.00 Yearly

Point of Contact

Rachel

Reference Code

DOI-USGS-2026-78

Organization

U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)

Eligibility Requirements

• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 48 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences
    • Analytical Chemistry
    • Bio-inorganic Chemistry
    • Bio-organic Chemistry
    • Biophysical Chemistry
    • Chemistry (General)
    • Environmental Chemistry
    • Inorganic Chemistry
    • Materials Sciences
    • Organic Chemistry
    • Physical Chemistry
    • Polymer Chemistry
    • Theoretical Chemistry
  • Communications and Graphics Design (2)
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17)
  • Earth and Geosciences (21)
  • Engineering (29)
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14)
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (51)
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11)
  • Physics (16)
  • Science & Engineering-related (2)
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (29)