USGS Wildlife Health Research Fellowship Job Bozeman area,Montana USA,Research/Development

Organization

U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)

Reference Code

DOI-USGS-2026-60

How To Apply

To submit your application, scroll to the bottom of this opportunity and click APPLY.

A Complete Application Consists Of

An application

Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.

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.

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Final date to receive applications

7/17/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

The USGS Office/Lab and

Location:

A research opportunity is currently available with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) located in Bozeman, Montana.

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 time frames 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.

Scientists at the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK) in Bozeman, Montana conduct research on five general research themes:
1) Biosurveillance of Biological Threats,
2) Wildlife Disease,
3) Fisheries and Water Resources,
4) Wildlife and Terrestrial Habitat, and
5) Cryosphere Science.

Research Project: USGS collaborates with National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service and State wildlife agencies on disease issues at the wildlife and livestock interface around the Greater Yellowstone Region. The current focus of the wildlife disease team is on chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and elk, supplemental feeding grounds, bison, and climate interactions with epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV).

Many of the projects combine field data collection with quantitative statistical and modeling analyses and are collaborations with natural resource managers, veterinarians, and academics. You will train on several ongoing research projects on wildlife disease around the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Learning Objectives: Through this mentored research experience, you will expand your knowledge of wildlife disease ecology, including principles of disease dynamics, surveillance strategies, and ecological modeling. You will gain hands-on experience conducting research activities such as field-based data collection in diverse environmental conditions, preparation and processing of biological samples, and analysis of ecological data using statistical and modeling approaches in R.

Emphasis will be placed on building your analytical proficiency, interpreting research findings, and understanding how quantitative tools inform wildlife management and conservation decisions.

In collaboration with your mentor and research team, you will strengthen your scientific communication skills by contributing to discussions, preparing summaries of research findings, and developing presentations or other scholarly materials for educational purposes. Regular mentoring interactions will provide structured opportunities to explore scientific concepts and professional development goals. Engagement with biologists and natural resource professionals across agencies will broaden your understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration and public-sector science, while reinforcing ethical research practices and the role of science in natural resource decision-making.

Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Paul Cross (pcross). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment

Start Date:

September 15, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

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

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.
The anticipated stipend range is $50,000 - $61,700 annually.

Citizenship Requirements

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