USGS Wildlife Health Research Fellowship

About the role

The USGS Wildlife Health Research Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to wildlife disease research in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Scientists at the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK) in Bozeman, Montana collaborate with national park service, wildlife service, forest service, and state wildlife agencies on disease issues at the wildlife and livestock interface.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field-based data collection in diverse environmental conditions
• Prepare and process biological samples
• Analyze ecological data using statistical and modeling approaches in R
• Collaborate with natural resource managers, veterinarians, and academics
• Gain hands-on experience in wildlife disease ecology, surveillance strategies, and ecological modeling

Requirements

The ideal candidate should have received or be currently pursuing a master's degree in wildlife ecology, infectious disease dynamics, or a related field. Research experience within wildlife ecology and/or infectious disease dynamics outside of a lab setting, previous experience organizing spatial data, animal tracking data, using ArcPro, R programming, statistical analysis, and ecological field research are preferred.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in relevant field within the past four years or anticipated to be received by 9/1/2026
• Research experience within wildlife ecology and/or infectious disease dynamics outside of a lab setting
• Previous experience organizing spatial data, animal tracking data, using ArcPro, R programming, statistical analysis and ecological field research
• Experience analyzing animal movement/GPS-collar data, collaborating with natural resource agencies on wildlife management issues, analyzing disease surveillance data, and publishing peer-reviewed articles

Skills

• Research experience within wildlife ecology and/or infectious disease dynamics outside of a lab setting
• Previous experience organizing spatial data, animal tracking data, using ArcPro, R programming, statistical analysis and ecological field research
• Experience analyzing animal movement/GPS-collar data, collaborating with natural resource agencies on wildlife management issues, analyzing disease surveillance data, and publishing peer-reviewed articles

Benefits

The fellowship includes a stipend ranging from $50,000 - $61,700 annually, depending on numerous factors including opportunity, location, education, and experience. 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.

Pay

The anticipated stipend range is $50,000 - $61,700 annually.

Schedule

The appointment will initially be for two years, but may be renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Contact

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