USGS Post-Bachelors Fellowship: Assessing Subclinical Impacts of Infection Avian Influenza

How To Apply

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

• 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.
• 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.

U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)

DOI-USGS-2026-63

8/28/2026 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Eastern Ecological Science Center located in Laurel, Maryland.

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.

The incursion of a novel strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza into the United States since the winter of 2021/2022 has had large-scale consequences for the health and populations of many wild bird species. While numerous species have been found to mount antibody responses after exposure to this viral threat, little is known about the sub-clinical impacts of infection. This project will seek to analyze numerous immune health assays from plasma previously collected across a wide range of avian species of known avian influenza status and identify differences in immune health assays as a function of current or previous AIV infection.

You will learn methods for analysis of plasma-based biomarkers of avian health and will gain experience with analysis of samples and the collected data. You will also participate in data presentation and manuscript preparation, as time allows. You will gain valuable laboratory and quality control skills, and learn appropriate methods for statistical analyses of these types of data. You will also have the opportunity to train and develop your scientific writing skills.

Mentor:
Natalie Karouna‑Renier (nkarouna). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.

Anticipated start date:
August 17, 2026 (flexible). Appointment length: initially one year and six months, may be renewed upon recommendation of DOI and contingent on availability of funds. Participation level: full time.

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.

U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) only.

This program, 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), was 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 in this program.

Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

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

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields.

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree:
  Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral Degree
• Discipline(s):
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Fish and Wildlife
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences

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