USGS Assessing the Impacts of Microbial Manipulations on Native Plant Restoration

OrganizationU.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)Reference CodeDOI-USGS-2026-19How To ApplyTo submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.A Complete Application Consists OfAn applicationTranscript(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 listTwo educational or professional recommendations. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!”DescriptionApplications 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 Ann Arbor, Michigan.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: Northern wild rice (Zizania palustris, manoomin) is a native plant of great cultural significance to indigenous communities in the Great Lakes region. As such, its restoration is a priority for tribes and state resource managers across the Great Lakes basin. The USGS GLSC has partnered with the Bay Mills Indian Community since 2023 to explore the role that microbial communities play in restoration success of manoomin. We completed field surveys of soil, water and plants to explore the associated microbial inhabitants over two seasons. Additionally, we have conducted several manipulative experiments to understand the impact of microbes and site conditions on germination and growth of manoomin. You will gain experience using these existing datasets, possibly supplemented by new data, to explore patterns in microbial (bacterial and fungal) communities between differing site conditions, plant health, and experimental manipulations. These patterns will give valuable insights to tribal partners for the next stage of our research into the roles of microbes in affecting restoration outcomes.The Successful Candidate Will Collaborate With On-going Projects Related To Microbial Community Impacts On Northern Wild Rice. Specifical Learning Activities IncludeLearn to analyze microbial community data from environmental samples collected around native populations of northern wild rice using R and related statistical tools.Learn to plan and implement microbial data analysis workflows in collaboration with USGS scientists and research partners.Learn field techniques for collecting soil samples for microbial and molecular analyses.Learn to conduct and monitor mesocosm experiments manipulating soil microbiomes to improve wild rice health.Learn greenhouse research operations, including specimen care, experimental maintenance, and data collection.Learn soil molecular laboratory techniques to prepare samples for DNA metabarcoding and downstream analyses.Learn to synthesize and communicate research findings through poster presentations and internal briefings for GLSC and partners.Learn methods used in wetland ecology research, including innovative management strategies for invasive species such as Phragmites (e.g., microbial symbiosis and genetic biocontrol approaches).Learn field research skills including plot setup, treatment application, and systematic ecological data collection throughout the field season.Learning Objectives: The Great Lakes Science Center engages in partner-focused science, providing a unique opportunity for you to learn how to craft a research project and gain valuable experience in laboratory and field settings. You will collaborate closely with mentors to craft an experimental design and research plan that aligns with partner needs and is feasible in a single field season. You will gain experience with data collection, data management, and analysis. In addition, You will be able to take advantage of close relationships to tribal, wildlife and land management communities to present findings to relevant groups (e.g., Michigan Wild Rice Initiative, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University partners). This is a wonderful opportunity to add research experience, gain exposure to high-priority federal science, and build a professional network within the research and land management communities.Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is DeWesley Bickford (wbickford@usgs.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 15, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 10 weeks, 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.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 USGS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.QualificationsThe qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's or master's degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past four years, or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2029.Point of Contact Rachel Eligibility Requirements">12 ) Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 48 months or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2029 12:00:00 AM. Discipline(s): Chemistry and Materials Sciences (<a href="#" data-bs-toggle="popover" tabindex="0" role="button" data-bs-title="Chemistry and Materials Sciences" data-bs-content="Analytical ChemistryBio-inorganic ChemistryBio-organic ChemistryBiophysical ChemistryChemistry (General)Environmental ChemistryInorganic ChemistryMaterials SciencesOrganic ChemistryPhysical ChemistryPolymer ChemistryTheoretical ChemistryCommunications 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 )