Volunteer Environmental Chemistry Researcher; Fall

Summary Make an impact while you learn. The Semester of Service Program offers students a volunteer project‑based opportunity to support real Federal missions, gaining hands‑on experience and valuable career‑ready skills. The government‑wide “Semester of Service” Student Volunteer Program enables Federal agencies to engage students in unpaid, project‑based assignments of limited duration that align with each agency's strategic priorities.

Fall 2026 (90‑day term between August 15 and December 15).

8–20 hours per week in the office or work site only.

• Assist with method development and analysis for microplastic detection in waters and biological tissues.
• Develop and execute sample preparation protocols for microplastics in environmental waters and tissues as part of the National Park Service Great Lakes Inventory & Monitoring Network.
• Operate analytical instrumentation, including infrared and Raman spectroscopy.
• Implement data quality control and assurance methods in accordance with USGS QMS.
• Prepare concise technical reports and contribute to data visualization.
• Support publication activities resulting from the research.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National. Remote work must be completed domestically within the United States.
• Enrolled not less than half‑time in an accredited college, university, or other accredited institution at the Bachelor’s level or above during the 90‑day term.
• Begin enrollment before December 1, 2026; no students graduating before this date are eligible.
• Qualifying institutions must be located within the United States.
• Maintain good academic standing as defined by the institution.
• Commit to volunteering 8–20 hours per week for a minimum of 90 days.
• Complete all required onboarding documentation assigned by the Department of the Interior and the academic institution.
• Agree to the position being unpaid; no compensation, stipends, or hiring preference will be granted.
• Not be a current federal employee.

• Enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program or higher with coursework in General Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to perform laboratory tasks such as pipetting, working with chemicals, and sample processing.
• Experience or coursework with analytical instrumentation (e.g., spectroscopy) is desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports and contributing to publications.
• Commitment to federal mission support, understanding of federal policies, and willingness to volunteer.