ERDC-EL: Aquatic Plant Ecology and Management Research - Master's or Doctoral

The Environmental Laboratory (EL) is one of the seven laboratories of U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (USACE-ERDC), which is the Army Corps of Engineers' integrated research and development (R&D) organization. EL provides solutions to environmental challenges for the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense and the Nation through environmental science and engineering research and development. Researchers in EL conduct research in ecosystem science and technology, environmental resiliency, environmental sensing, ecological modeling and forecasting, risk and decision science, environmentally sustainable material, systems biology, climate change, computational chemistry, environmental chemistry and environmental security.

During this project, you will learn aquatic plant management science through studies of plant ecology, chemical and biological control of insect or weed pests. Under the guidance of a mentor, you will have the opportunity to participate in numerous research projects related to invasive species ecology and management and insect-plant interactions. Specific research opportunities may include: determination of environmental tolerances of invasive pests, improving the use of host‑specific insect herbivores to manage environmental weeds through improved rearing and release methods, developing new use‑patterns for pesticides of invasive species, determining the importance of genetic diversity in large‑scale plant invasions and its importance for classical biological control, and integrated pest management of environmental weeds through a combination of biological and chemical control methods.

There is potential to gain additional research experience by collaborating with a diverse scientific team in diverse areas such as fate and transport of environmental contaminants through trophic interactions, plant disease‑vector dynamics, forest pest management, and experimental design and statistical modeling.

This fellowship provides the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed research forward.

Lewisville, Texas

Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate.

This appointment is a full‑time twelve‑month research appointment. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

You will receive a stipend to be determined by ERDC‑EL. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Training and Travel Allowance

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

The ideal candidate will have a master’s or doctoral degree in Entomology, Ecology, or a related field, or will receive their degree by December 31, 2028. Knowledge of biological control, pests of natural and agricultural systems, or invasive plant ecology is ideal.

Preferred skills include:

• A strong publication record, attention to detail, demonstrated self‑motivation, and the ability to conduct research as part of…