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Job Type:<\/strong> Paid Internship USFS\u00a0Office\/Lab and Location<\/u>:\u00a0<\/strong>A research opportunity is currently available with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Rocky Mountain Research Station lab on the Montana State University campus located in Bozeman, Montana.<\/p>\n At the heart of the U.S. Forest Service’s mission is their purpose. Everything they do is intended to help sustain forests and grasslands for present and future generations. Why? Because their stewardship work supports nature in sustaining life. This is the purpose that drives the agency\u2019s mission and motivates their work across the agency. It\u2019s been there from the agency\u2019s very beginning, and it still drives them. To advance the mission and serve their purpose, the U.S. Forest Service balances the short and long-term needs of people and nature by: working in collaboration with communities and our partners; providing access to resources and experiences that promote economic, ecological, and social vitality; connecting people to the land and one another; and delivering world-class science, technology and land management.<\/p>\n Research Project<\/u>:<\/strong>\u00a0We seek a recent graduate with experience in Entomology to conduct research\u00a0on several insect-related research projects that will involve both laboratory and field components. These projects include investigating: (1) the chemical ecology of Great Basin bristlecone pine and how specific defense traits affect bark beetle host selection and brood success, (2) variation in floral scent and how this affects pollinator attraction and plant reproduction, and (3) how wildfire risk reduction treatments (e.g., logging, and prescribed fire) affect pollinators and their habitat. This research will include sampling and analysis of plant chemistry (GC-MS, volatile collection, and analysis), and insect behavior and feeding trials. This understanding will aid in management strategies for protecting species of conservation concern (high-elevation pines and pollinators). Field research\u00a0will include surveying trees for bark beetle infestation and hopefully applying what is learned in the laboratory to protect trees in the field and sampling pollinators.\u00a0The participant will collaborate\u00a0closely with USDA Forest Service Research Entomologists Dr. Justin Runyon (Bozeman, MT) and Dr. Barbara Bentz (Logan, UT).<\/p>\n Learning Objectives<\/u>:\u00a0<\/strong>The fellow will have the opportunity to learn through experience about plant-insect chemical ecology including how to sample and use a GC-MS to analyze plant chemistry, and to learn field-based insect sampling techniques. The fellow will be able to contribute intellectually to experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, and publishing and communicating findings. The participant will also be exposed to a management-based research organization (RMRS), learn about the challenges posed in managing bark beetles and pollinators, and how science is seeking ways to address these challenges.<\/p>\n Mentor<\/u>:<\/strong>\u00a0The mentor\u00a0for this opportunity is Dr. Justin Runyon, (justin.runyon@usda.gov<\/a>).\u00a0If you have questions about the nature of the research,\u00a0please contact the mentor.<\/p>\n Anticipated Appointment Start Date<\/u>:<\/strong>\u00a0April\u00a02023;\u00a0start date is flexible (earlier or later).<\/p>\n Appointment Length<\/u>:\u00a0<\/strong>The appointment will initially be for\u00a0five months but may be\u00a0extended\u00a0upon\u00a0recommendation of\u00a0USFS\u00a0and is contingent on the availability of funds.<\/p>\n Level of Participation<\/u>:\u00a0<\/strong>The appointment is full-time.<\/p>\n Participant Stipend<\/u>:<\/strong>\u00a0The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n Citizenship Requirements<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non-U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the\u00a0Guidelines for Non-U.S. Citizens Details<\/a>\u00a0page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.<\/p>\n ORISE Information<\/u>:<\/strong>\u00a0This 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 USFS.\u00a0Participants do not become employees of USDA, USFS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.\u00a0Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.<\/p>\n Questions<\/u><\/strong>:\u00a0Please visit our\u00a0Program Website<\/a>. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email\u00a0USForestService@orise.orau.gov<\/a>\u00a0and include the reference code for this opportunity.<\/p>\n Qualifications: <\/strong><\/span>The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral\u00a0degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g., Entomology, Biology, Ecology,\u00a0Forestry).\u00a0Degree must have been received within the past five years.<\/p>\n Preferred Skills:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Salary Details:<\/strong> The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
Deadline:<\/strong> Apr 28, 2023<\/p>\n