Intern: Holocene Alaska Climate & Vegetation Study

USGS Office/Lab and Location

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) located in Reston, Virginia. 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.

Southwestern Alaska, underlain by discontinuous and warm (~0ºC) permafrost, is sensitive to changing sea‑ice regimes and storms that are increasingly leading to flooding and erosion. Together with warming atmospheric temperatures and changing precipitation regimes, permafrost is increasingly vulnerable to thaw. Buried ice wedge networks and peat deposits near Bethel, Alaska were recently uncovered, allowing for opportunities to study early to mid‑Holocene hydroclimate, vegetation, and permafrost environments.

The study will use a multiproxy approach to reconstruct past changes to atmospheric temperature and precipitation seasonality using oxygen and deuterium stable isotopes, pollen, and plant macrofossils.

The project will be lab‑based, using techniques from soil science, paleo climate science, and geochemistry to measure bulk density, organic matter content, elemental concentrations, and stable isotopes (oxygen and deuterium) from both peat cellulose and pore water. Some data analysis and data management will be involved. There will also be opportunities to learn additional lab techniques, including pollen extraction, plant macrofossil analysis, and charcoal analysis to link physical properties and proxies for atmospheric conditions to changing vegetation and environmental conditions through time.

You will be introduced to a broad range of lab analyses and will be able to hone lab skills in a federal science lab. In addition to the new lab skills gained through the project, you will also be introduced to a broad range of science taking place at the USGS National Center through seminars and other interactions.

Miriam Jones (miriamjones). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

• Anticipated appointment start date:
  June 15 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
• Appointment length: initially for 10 weeks, but may be renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds.
• Level of participation: 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.

This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), and foreign nationals. Non‑U.S. citizen applicants should refer to the Guidelines for Non‑U.S. Citizens Details page of the program website for information about the valid immigration statuses that are acceptable for program participation.

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 or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past four years, or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2029.

• Degree:
  Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree received within the last 48 months or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2029.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (includes Analytical Chemistry, Bio‑inorganic Chemistry, Bio‑organic Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, Chemistry (General), Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Sciences, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry)
  • Communications and Graphics Design
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
  • Earth and Geosciences
  • Engineering
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Physics
  • Science & Engineering‑related