USGS Assessing Transcriptomic Effects of Chemical and Biological Stressors on Wildlife

About the Research Project

Exposure to chemical and biological stressors can profoundly influence organismal health by reshaping gene regulation at the cellular level. This project investigates how contaminants such as PFAS and pesticides, along with environmental hazards like algal toxins, alter host transcriptomic profiles. By integrating high-resolution molecular analyses with environmental context, the study aims to identify disrupted pathways, characterize early indicators of physiological stress, and improve our understanding of mechanistic links between contaminant exposure and adverse outcomes. The research will also advance our understanding of the interplay between host and microbial genomics/transcriptomics and responses to contaminant exposure. This fellowship will facilitate interpretation of these data to train to inform science-based natural resource management by Federal, Tribal and State agencies, including the Department of War (DOW), US Fish and Wildlife Service, and US Department of Agriculture (APHIS).

Learning Objectives

This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to practice your skills in bioinformatics and develop new skills for analysis of transcriptomic and metatranscriptomic data sets collected from multiple avian species exposed to chemical (e.g. PFAS, pesticides) and/or biological/environmental (e.g. algal toxins) stressors under controlled and field conditions. Under the guidance of two mentors, you will gain experience with state-of-the-art 'omics' technologies to train to integrate field, lab, and computational datasets to address questions in wildlife toxicology and ecosystem health.

Location and Appointment Details

This research opportunity is available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) located in Laurel, Maryland. The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds. The appointment is full time. The anticipated start date is August 3, 2026, though the start date is flexible.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.

Preferred Skills

• A background in toxicology and bioinformatics is desired

Stipend

The anticipated stipend is $8,535 monthly.

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only
• Master's degree or Doctoral degree in Environmental and Marine Sciences (Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies, Fish and Wildlife, Life Health and Medical Sciences) or related fields

Application Requirements

• An application
• Transcript(s) – unofficial transcript or copy of student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted
• 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

Application Deadline: September 11, 2026 at 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

Point of Contact: Rachel. For questions about the application process, email USGS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Mentor: Natalie Karouna-Renier (nkarouna@usgs.gov)