USGS Fellowship Assessing the Role of Algal Blooms on the Fate and Transport of PFAS

Reference code: DOI-USGS-2026-79 | Application deadline: January 29, 2027, 3:00 PM Eastern Time

About the role

This research opportunity is with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in Boulder, Colorado. 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.

The USGS programs supporting this research—the Water Mission Area National Water Quality Program and the Ecosystems Mission Area Toxic Substances Hydrology Program—focus on supporting national-scale reconnaissance and prediction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), harmful algal blooms (HABs), and associated toxins. Program goals emphasize targeted research and development to create advanced laboratory methods for detecting and documenting these emerging toxic threats, and to advance understanding of the processes governing contaminant transport, persistence, natural attenuation, and geochemical transformation.

Research project

Microorganisms play an important role in the fate and transport of environmental contaminants through processes such as degradation, sorption, motility, and life-cycle dynamics. This fellowship will investigate how microbiological processes influence the environmental behavior of HABs and PFAS by identifying and quantifying the mechanisms through which harmful algal species govern sorption, release, and transformation of PFAS in aquatic systems. You will develop laboratory methods to characterize biological drivers that shape contaminant movement, retention, bioavailability, and exposure within phytoplanktonic and benthic algal communities. This training provides exposure to interdisciplinary scientific approaches required to provide Federal, Tribal, and State partners with the data and tools needed for evidence-based decision making and natural-resource management.

Learning objectives

• Collaborate with a supportive scientific community of interdisciplinary researchers across the USGS Ecosystem and Water Mission Areas.
• Design and implement laboratory experiments and apply advanced molecular biology and bioinformatics approaches to evaluate how environmental stressors influence contaminant fate with mentor guidance.
• Gain hands-on experience integrating molecular technologies with microbial ecology and environmental chemistry.
• Receive training on methods used to produce holistic ecological assessments such as field observation, laboratory experimentation, and computational analysis.
• Strengthen scientific communication skills through the dissemination of research findings related to contaminant transport, ecosystem health, and decision-support frameworks for resource managers.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or have received a doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Disciplines: Chemistry and Materials Sciences (including Bio-inorganic Chemistry, Bio-organic Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry), Engineering (Environmental and Marine Sciences), Life Health and Medical Sciences.

Appointment details

• Anticipated start date: March 1, 2027 (flexible)
• Appointment length: Initially one year; may be renewed upon recommendation of DOI and contingent on availability of funds.
• Level of participation: Full time.
• Citizenship requirements: U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.

Compensation

Stipend range: $98,811.88 – $107,128.71 per year. Exact stipend rate will be confirmed at interview and included in the appointment offer.

Program information

This program is 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), 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; health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

Mentor and contact

• Mentor: Jennifer Underwood (jcunder@usgs.gov) — contact for questions about the nature of the research.
• Application process questions: Email USGS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.