USGS Postdoc Research Economist/Research Ecologist

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) in La Crosse, Wisconsin is currently recruiting for a Research Economist/Research Ecologist (position may be filled by either an Economist or Ecologist) as part of the Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program (MRFP). The MRFP provides an opportunity for postdoctoral fellows to conduct concentrated research in association with USGS scientists. The selected Mendenhall Fellow will develop a framework for integrating economic approaches into ongoing research on climate vulnerability and adaptation in the context of natural resource management in cooperation with Research Advisors and their interagency research teams. The incumbent will join the USGS family and serve the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life. For more information about UMESC, please visit https://www.usgs.gov/centers/umesc.

Location: La Crosse, Wisconsin

Salary:  GS-12: $77,488 (Step 01; most likely) to $100,739 (Step 10)

Potential original research topics include:
•    Developing an economic framework that builds upon existing climate vulnerability tools
•    Developing new methods to integrate economics into climate change vulnerability assessments to support natural resource management
•    Developing local and watershed trade-off analyses of climate adaptation actions simultaneously evaluating multiple ecosystem services

Additional information:
•    The Fellow will be able to participate in stakeholder workshops focused on identifying climate vulnerabilities, natural resource science needs, and barriers to climate adaptation. Research products could take the form of a decision-support tool or interactive graphical dashboard and peer-reviewed manuscripts are an expected product.
•    Beyond climate impacts and adaptation research, focal research areas at UMESC include wildlife ecology, ecosystem restoration, river and landscape ecology, toxicology, and invasive species management.
•    The ideal candidate will have a background in natural resource economics, quantitative skills, and a good understanding of ecological systems.
 

Eligibility Requirements:

In order to be considered for these opportunities, candidates must:

(1) have successfully completed a Ph.D. in a field related to the described Research Opportunity no earlier than October 8, 2016 (5 years before the announcement opening date); OR

(2) if close to completion, have all Ph.D. requirements completed and must submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date;

(3) meet the qualification requirements described in the Research Opportunity. The research proposal submitted must demonstrate that the applicant is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties for the specific Research Opportunity.

Start Date and Completion of PhD:

It is anticipated that this position will start no later than March 2023. The person selected must have all PhD requirements completed and MUST submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date. Exceptions may be made for a later start date on a case-by-case basis.

Notice to non-citizens of USA:

A Federal agency is permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances Read the information provided in the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications must be received through USAjobs:

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/616700300  

In addition to standard job application materials, this application requires a Research Proposal. The Research Proposal is the most important part of the application package, and we strongly urge applicants to coordinate the development of the Proposal with the USGS point(s) of contact.