The Environmental Laboratory (EL) provides relevant, value-added technology supporting the environmental mission of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Army, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Nation. Headquartered in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the EL’s interdisciplinary staff of over 220 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel plans and executes all phases of the technology development process, from basic research to field implementation to commercialization. The EL staff consists of problem solvers who use research, development, experimentation, special studies, and technical support to address the needs of national and international business development partners. Partnering with Federal and State agencies, academia, and the private sector, the EL uses its distinctive technical capabilities to resolve complex, multi-disciplinary environmental sustainability problems.
Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected candidate will engage in research focused on various aspects of environmental microbiology. Specific projects include baseline microbiome characterizations of natural soil and subterranean systems representing different geographical locations, testing and evaluating existing DNA based commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) analysis/sensor platforms in the lab and field, and developing, testing and fielding new experimental detection technologies targeting specific microorganisms. The participant will conduct a series of laboratory, field, and mesocosm studies focused on detecting natural threats in the environment.
Preferred candidate skills include: a) enriching, culturing, and characterizing environmental microorganisms and microbial communities, b) designing and utilizing molecular and cellular diagnostic assays in lab and field settings, c) performing high-throughput DNA sequencing with some skill in bioinformatics analysis.
The participant will acquire skills in the development and implementation of DNA and cell-based diagnostics for field application. The participant will gain experience through mentorship by senior lab personnel and principal investigators by assisting with publications, technical reports and presentations. Good communication, and interpersonal and writing skills are essential as well as a willingness to research in a highly multidisciplinary environment.
Length of Appointment
This appointment is a full-time 12-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.
Participant Benefits
Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by USACE. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:
- Health Insurance Supplement. Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE.
- Relocation Allowance
- Training and Travel Allowance
Nature of Appointment
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.
Qualifications
The postdoctoral candidate will demonstrate the following skills:
- Microbiological and molecular biology techniques,
- Microbial genomic sequencing/transcriptomics,
- Bioinformatics (microbial genome assembly/annotation and microbial community analysis)
- Some experience in molecular tools in the field
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months.
