Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
ERDC-EL-2023-0011
How to Apply
Click on Apply now to start your application.
Description
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.
Project
Development of methods and open source software used in multi-objective dynamic adaptation and control of water resource systems under climate change.
What will I be doing?
Under the guidance of a mentor, you will collaborate in following research:
- Development of methodology for reservoir system adaptation to nonstationary hydroclimate.
- Design of parameterized operating policies that use short-term information (storage, inflow forecasts) to balance multiple objectives.
- Identification of sets of operating policies that perform well in different types of hydroclimate scenarios, derived either from GCM ensembles or synthetic generation.
- How to optimize decision triggers to switch between operating policies based on a combination of long-term indicators from climate observations and measures of system performance.
- Design transferable software implementation to support Cornell team on Great Lakes project.
Why should I apply?
This internship provides the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed research forward. There are multiple opportunities available to engage in your applied research and evaluation interests. As part of the experience, you will learn:
- Multi-objective reservoir control
- Climate vulnerability and adaptation
- Open source software development
Where will I be located? Location Varies
What is the anticipated start date?
ERDC-EL is ready to make an appointment immediately. The exact start date will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate.
What is the length of the appointment?
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.
What are the benefits?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by ERDC-EL. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:
- Health Insurance Supplement. Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE.
- Relocation Allowance
- Training and Travel Allowance
About ORISE
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.
Qualifications
You should have or be pursuing a Graduate degree or PhD student in Hydrologic Sciences, Civil or Environmental Engineering.
Preferred skills:
- Strong communication skills in oral and written English
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Background in statistics and operations research
- Proficiency with Python and high-performance computing
A complete application consists of:
- Zintellect profile
- Educational and Employment History
- Essay Questions – The application includes questions specific to the opportunity
- Academic Records – For this opportunity, an official transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted.
- Current Resume/CV
- One (1) Recommendation – Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application. The status will go from Started to Submitted and then to Completed once the required recommendations have been received.
Submitted documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation. If you have questions, send an email to usace@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing. Please do not send application materials to the email address above.
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Eligibility Requirements
