USGS Quantifying the Vulnerability of Florida's Natural Coral-Reef Resources by Evaluating the Long-Term Influence of Thermal Variability on Coral Growth

About the role

The USGS is seeking an intern to quantify the vulnerability of Florida's natural coral-reef resources by evaluating the long-term influence of thermal variability on coral growth. The intern will work with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Responsibilities

• Complete training by SPCMSC scientists on how to collect coral growth records from coral CT imagery
• Apply methods to collect coral growth records from seven new cores from the southwestern Florida Keys
• Collaborate with SPCMSC scientists to visualize and analyze the data to quantify the relationship between coral growth and temperature variability

Requirements

The ideal candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's or master's degree in relevant fields such as Chemistry and Materials Sciences, Earth and Geosciences, Environmental and Marine Sciences, Life Health and Medical Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, or Science & Engineering-related.

Qualifications

The candidate should have a strong foundation in coral-reef ecology and coral sclerochronology, practical skills in sample processing, and experience with basic statistical analysis. Excellent communication skills are also essential.

Skills

Basic statistical analysis, sample processing, and coral-reef ecology knowledge are required. Experience with coral-reef research and collaboration is preferred.

Benefits

The internship offers hands-on experience in coral-reef research, practical skills development, and opportunities for co-authorship on publications. Participants will also have access to scientific communication training and presentations.

Pay

The participant stipend rate varies based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. Exact rates will be provided if selected.

Schedule

The appointment will initially be for 10 weeks, but may be renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds. The anticipated appointment start date is August 1, 2026, with flexibility in start dates.

Contact

If you have questions about the application process, please email USGS@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.