Occasional travel - Average travel of 3 nights per month.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Relocation expenses are authorized.
Appointment type
Term - This is an excepted appt Postdoctoral Research Fellowship not-to-exceed 13 months with possible extensions up to a total of 4yrs without further competition. Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status in the Federal service.
Open to all qualified candidates. Because this Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is a U.S. Government position, preference must be given to U.S. Citizens. Citizens of other nations may be considered under certain circumstances, e.g., when there are no qualified citizen applicants. In such a situation, the USGS may consider making an offer to a noncitizen. It is optional for the USGS to consider citizens of other nations, and various laws and regulations must be followed.
USGS Post-Doctorial Fellowship - Research Opportunity Research Geologist
The SPCMSC (St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center) conducts original research on problems relating to climate variability and geologic processes, supports the natural hazard and climate change missions within the USGS and addresses understanding of vulnerabilities and changes associated with extreme storms, chronic erosion, sediment mobility and transport, and climate-change driven response that includes consideration of sea-level rise and future storminess. The SPCMSC is seeking post-doctorial research proposals that can interpret the environmental history of coastal and marine (e.g., marsh, estuary, shelf, and slope) environments of the Western Atlantic during the Cenozoic.
Proposals should focus on past variation in climate, environments, ocean circulation, and physical parameters such as sea-level fluctuations. Proposals should include a description of how focused research sites will be selected and what geologic archives and/or data will need to be collected. Candidates are encouraged to contact St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center researchers to inquire about existing sample and data archives (including, but not limited to, the coral reef core archive and the Gulf of Mexico Sediment Trap archive). The proposal should reflect considerable expertise in paleoenvironmental reconstruction using cutting-edge coastal and marine proxies (e.g., microfossils, sediment geochemistry, or coral geochemistry) and should clearly identify the analytical techniques needed for the proposed research. Candidates are encouraged to leverage existing collaborations in the field to augment available in-house capabilities. A successful proposal is expected to use robust statistical analyses and geochronology in order to place their results in a broader spatial and temporal context to address questions central to the understanding of forcing mechanisms and impacts of natural environmental variability in the Western Atlantic during the Cenozoic.
Proposed Duty Station: St. Petersburg, FL
Areas of Ph.D.: Including but not limited to: Planetary Geology, Geophysics, Oceanography, Physical Geography, Marine Geology, Physical Science, or related fields. (candidates holding a Ph.D. in other disciplines but with knowledge and skills relevant to the Research Opportunity may be considered).
Qualifications: Applicants must meet the following qualifications: Research Geologist
Physical/Environmental Demands: Work is usually performed in an office or laboratory setting. The work area:
Normally involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of offices or meeting and training rooms; or
Involves exposure to a laboratory that involves risks and hazards that require safety precautions; or
High risk of exposure or damage due to: extreme weather conditions; working on ships and small boats; or working in remote inland locations.
Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
Selectee may be subject to serving a trial period.
More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information.
Selectee subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical exam.
Selectee must provide a valid state driver's license & safe driving record.
Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?
Because this position requires travel for official business, the selectee will be required to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment. Individuals who have delinquent account balances from a previous Government charge card will be required to satisfy their existing obligation before a new card can be issued.
A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.
You will be required to operate a government-owned or -leased vehicle in the performance of your official duties. Applicants for this position must meet the following requirements: (1) possess a valid State license, and (2) possess a safe driving record. If selected, you may be required to provide proof of a valid State license and a copy of your driving record.
The candidate selected must obtain a favorable medical exam at federal expense.
Qualifications
The USGS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program provides highly motivated recent Ph.D. graduates with the opportunity to conduct concentrated research in association with selected USGS Scientists, as a final element to their formal career preparation. Selectees will utilize the excellent scientific resources available at the USGS in the conduct of scientific investigations and exploratory development associated with advanced scientific research. This program will provide selectees the opportunity to contribute to the overall research efforts of the USGS and in turn they will gain excellent professional research experience early in their careers.
Appointments under the USGS Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program will be made under the Schedule A, 213.3102 (r) excepted appointing authority for a minimum period of 13 months and may be extended up to a maximum period of 4 years.
In order to be considered for these opportunities, candidates must:
(1) have successfully completed a Ph.D. in a field related to the described Research Opportunity; the Ph.D. degree requirements must have been met no earlier than September 20, 2014 (5 years before the announcement opening date), and must be completed by the time employment starts;
(2) meet the qualification requirements described in the Research Opportunity. The research proposal submitted must demonstrate that the applicant is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties for the specific Research Opportunity.
Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. A Federal agency is permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position, AND the non-citizen meets the appropriation act and immigration laws. Read the information provided in the following link. If a non-citizen does not meet the appropriation act and immigration laws, then they cannot be considered for this Research Opportunity. Please contact person under Agency Contact Information for questions about eligibility and further assistance. https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/.
Foreign Education. You must provide proof, if the foreign education determines your qualifications for the position. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if the applicant can show that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide such evidence when applying for Federal jobs. If selected, you will be required to provide official proof that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs.
You must meet all eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
Education
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs .
Additional information
Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.
Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. Agencies are permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position.
USGS employees are subject to Title 43, USC Section 31(a) and may not: (a) have any personal, private, direct or indirect interest in lands or mineral wealth of lands under survey; (b) have any substantial personal, private, direct or indirect interests in any private mining or mineral enterprise doing business with the United States; or (c) execute surveys or examinations for private parties or corporations.
The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment, and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
USGS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval. The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this duty location on a regular and recurring weekly basis.
For additional information on our internal telework policy, please reference the Department of the Interior Telework Handbook at: https://www.doi.gov/telework/policies.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The Human Resources Office will provide the hiring official with application material for review and consideration. The Research Advisor and/or hiring official will review the application material and contact candidates for interviews as needed. A subject matter expert panel will be convened. If an applicant is chosen for an opportunity and meets the qualification requirements, the Human Resources Office will contact the applicant and make a firm job offer. For Research Opportunities with multiple duty stations, the selection of the official duty station will be made by the USGS.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
USGS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval. The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this duty location on a regular and recurring weekly basis.
For additional information on our internal telework policy, please reference the Department of the Interior Telework Handbook at: https://www.doi.gov/telework/policies.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Applicants are to submit the following for each individual Research Opportunity for which they are applying.
Resume. Please ensure that the resume includes:
vacancy announcement number of the Research Opportunity: RES-2019-00334;
how the applicant became aware of the USGS Research Fellowship Program;
country of citizenship;
veterans preference (if applicable);
names of colleges/universities attended;
type of degrees earned and the years they were received;
names, phone numbers, and contact information of 3 references; and
an e-mail address to reach the applicant. (NOTE: If your e-mail address changes after the closing date, it is your responsibility to send the new e-mail address to the following: creich@usgs.gov; jrichey@usgs.gov; and the HR contact.
A) Educational Transcripts. Proof of completion of education must be provided includes copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts. If selected, you will be required to provide official transcripts. If your transcripts are not in English or illegible, provide a listing of all course work with grade and credit hours. If degree is in progress you must proof of being in a PhD program. Degree must be completed prior to appointment.
List of Publications. Include articles in journals, proceedings volumes, etc., and abstracts, reports, maps, etc. Include Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) when available. Do not submit copies of publications unless requested. Abstracts of up to 3 papers, reports, etc., or a chapter from your Ph.D. dissertation may be submitted.
B) Foreign Education Documentation. You must provide proof of completion of education includes copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, if needed to qualify. Foreign accreditation equivalency can be provided after an employment offer is made.
Supporting Veterans Preference Documentation if claiming 5/10 points.
Research Proposal. Each research proposal should be a maximum of 8 standard pages in length (single space, Times New Roman font, font size 12) and should contain:
research objective(s);
links to USGS science program strategy;
how and where research is to be conducted;
name of Research Advisor(s) (RAs) - the RAs are listed in the description of the research opportunities;
required scientific facilities.
In addition to the 8-page proposal, a separate budget estimate is required. This estimate should detail anticipated operating expenses for fieldwork, access to specialized equipment/facilities, conference travel, publications, computer hardware/software, and so on. The Research Proposal is the most important part of the application package, and we strongly urge applicants to coordinate the development of the Proposal with the appropriate RAs.
USGS strongly encourages the electronic submission of applications. All materials should be submitted in PDF format through the USAJOBS web link. PDF files submitted should not be larger than 4 MB. If a file is larger than 4 MB, applicants must split the contents of the file so that no one unit submitted is larger than 4 MB.
C) Prepare applications as follows: 1) First PDF file should contain ONLY the research proposal. 2) A second PDF file should contain: list of literature references cited in the proposal; budget estimate; and resumé. 3) A separate PDF file should contain: educational transcripts; supporting veterans documentation.
PDF conversion tools are readily available via the Internet. Some examples can be accessed at the following sites: http://www.ps2pdf.com/http://www.pdf995.com/Disclaimer: Hypertext links and other references to non-USGS products and services are provided for information only and do not constitute endorsement or warranty, express or implied, by the USGS, DOI, or U.S. Government, as to their suitability, content, usefulness, functioning, completeness, or accuracy. In addition, documents that do not easily lend themselves to conversion may be faxed. Contact the appropriate Human Resources Office to make arrangements.
If a complete application package is not submitted, the applicant will not be considered for the position. Requests for deadline extensions will not be granted. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure the successful conveyance of the application package. Applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail upon receipt. Application packages must be received by 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time) on the closing date of the announcement. It is against the law to submit applications for employment using Government paid postage envelopes or mail services (18 USC 1719). Such application packages will not be considered. Application material will not be returned.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications (required material) for this opportunity must be received on-line via USAJOBS BEFORE 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online application, you will not be considered for this opportunity. Requests for extensions will not be granted. Most libraries, employment offices, and all USGS personnel offices can provide access to the Internet. If applying online poses a hardship for you, you must speak to someone in the Servicing Human Resources Office listed on this announcement PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE for assistance.
Instructions for Applying Online for this Vacancy Announcement: 1) Click the blue "Apply Online" button. 2) If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application process. If you are a registered user, login to access your existing USAJOBS profile. 3) As a registered user, select a stored resume. 4) Check the "Certification" box and click the "Apply for this position now!" button located at the bottom of the screen. 5) Address the eligibility questions as well as the questionnaire containing questions and/or task statements that address the Research Opportunity for this announcement. 6) Submit required documents using one of the available methods listed below. 7) If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact from the list below.
Required documents may be: 1) uploaded directly from your desktop in PDF format only 2) Auto Requested Fax Auto-Requested Fax: allows you to submit required documentation that will be electronically displayed along with your resume.
PROGRAM CONTACTS: Christopher Reich, USGS St. Petersburg Science Center, 727-502-8032, creich@usgs.gov;Julie Richey, St. Petersburg Science Center, 727-502-8123, jrichey@usgs.gov; Lauren Toth, St. Petersburg Science Center, 727-502-8029, ltoth@usgs.gov; or HR Specialist (See "Agency Contact Info" section within the Announcement.)
If you are claiming veterans' preference you must provide a legible copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, member 4 copy or any official documentation or statement from the Armed Forces that confirms your dates of service and that your separation, discharge, or release from active duty was under honorable conditions (i.e., Honorable or General Discharge). Note: If you have more than one DD-214 for multiple periods of active duty, submit a copy for each period of service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the documents specified above, you must also submit documentation that supports your claim, e.g., an official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (dated 1991 or later) or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying the existence of a service-connected disability, or the award of the Purple Heart, etc. The overall rating must be identified on your certification letter or separation orders.
Documentation must be received by the closing date shown in this vacancy announcement. If you fail to submit any of the required documentation, you will not be granted veterans’ preference. Additional information on veterans' preference can be found in the VetGuide.
INTERIOR, Geological Survey
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
MS-600
Reston, Virginia 20192-0002
United States
Next steps
If an applicant is chosen for an opportunity and meets the qualification requirements, the Human Resources Office will contact the applicant and make a firm job offer..
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Applicants are to submit the following for each individual Research Opportunity for which they are applying.
Resume. Please ensure that the resume includes:
vacancy announcement number of the Research Opportunity: RES-2019-00334;
how the applicant became aware of the USGS Research Fellowship Program;
country of citizenship;
veterans preference (if applicable);
names of colleges/universities attended;
type of degrees earned and the years they were received;
names, phone numbers, and contact information of 3 references; and
an e-mail address to reach the applicant. (NOTE: If your e-mail address changes after the closing date, it is your responsibility to send the new e-mail address to the following: creich@usgs.gov; jrichey@usgs.gov; and the HR contact.
A) Educational Transcripts. Proof of completion of education must be provided includes copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts. If selected, you will be required to provide official transcripts. If your transcripts are not in English or illegible, provide a listing of all course work with grade and credit hours. If degree is in progress you must proof of being in a PhD program. Degree must be completed prior to appointment.
List of Publications. Include articles in journals, proceedings volumes, etc., and abstracts, reports, maps, etc. Include Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) when available. Do not submit copies of publications unless requested. Abstracts of up to 3 papers, reports, etc., or a chapter from your Ph.D. dissertation may be submitted.
B) Foreign Education Documentation. You must provide proof of completion of education includes copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, if needed to qualify. Foreign accreditation equivalency can be provided after an employment offer is made.
Supporting Veterans Preference Documentation if claiming 5/10 points.
Research Proposal. Each research proposal should be a maximum of 8 standard pages in length (single space, Times New Roman font, font size 12) and should contain:
research objective(s);
links to USGS science program strategy;
how and where research is to be conducted;
name of Research Advisor(s) (RAs) - the RAs are listed in the description of the research opportunities;
required scientific facilities.
In addition to the 8-page proposal, a separate budget estimate is required. This estimate should detail anticipated operating expenses for fieldwork, access to specialized equipment/facilities, conference travel, publications, computer hardware/software, and so on. The Research Proposal is the most important part of the application package, and we strongly urge applicants to coordinate the development of the Proposal with the appropriate RAs.
USGS strongly encourages the electronic submission of applications. All materials should be submitted in PDF format through the USAJOBS web link. PDF files submitted should not be larger than 4 MB. If a file is larger than 4 MB, applicants must split the contents of the file so that no one unit submitted is larger than 4 MB.
C) Prepare applications as follows: 1) First PDF file should contain ONLY the research proposal. 2) A second PDF file should contain: list of literature references cited in the proposal; budget estimate; and resumé. 3) A separate PDF file should contain: educational transcripts; supporting veterans documentation.
PDF conversion tools are readily available via the Internet. Some examples can be accessed at the following sites: http://www.ps2pdf.com/http://www.pdf995.com/Disclaimer: Hypertext links and other references to non-USGS products and services are provided for information only and do not constitute endorsement or warranty, express or implied, by the USGS, DOI, or U.S. Government, as to their suitability, content, usefulness, functioning, completeness, or accuracy. In addition, documents that do not easily lend themselves to conversion may be faxed. Contact the appropriate Human Resources Office to make arrangements.
If a complete application package is not submitted, the applicant will not be considered for the position. Requests for deadline extensions will not be granted. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure the successful conveyance of the application package. Applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail upon receipt. Application packages must be received by 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time) on the closing date of the announcement. It is against the law to submit applications for employment using Government paid postage envelopes or mail services (18 USC 1719). Such application packages will not be considered. Application material will not be returned.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications (required material) for this opportunity must be received on-line via USAJOBS BEFORE 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online application, you will not be considered for this opportunity. Requests for extensions will not be granted. Most libraries, employment offices, and all USGS personnel offices can provide access to the Internet. If applying online poses a hardship for you, you must speak to someone in the Servicing Human Resources Office listed on this announcement PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE for assistance.
Instructions for Applying Online for this Vacancy Announcement: 1) Click the blue "Apply Online" button. 2) If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application process. If you are a registered user, login to access your existing USAJOBS profile. 3) As a registered user, select a stored resume. 4) Check the "Certification" box and click the "Apply for this position now!" button located at the bottom of the screen. 5) Address the eligibility questions as well as the questionnaire containing questions and/or task statements that address the Research Opportunity for this announcement. 6) Submit required documents using one of the available methods listed below. 7) If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact from the list below.
Required documents may be: 1) uploaded directly from your desktop in PDF format only 2) Auto Requested Fax Auto-Requested Fax: allows you to submit required documentation that will be electronically displayed along with your resume.
PROGRAM CONTACTS: Christopher Reich, USGS St. Petersburg Science Center, 727-502-8032, creich@usgs.gov;Julie Richey, St. Petersburg Science Center, 727-502-8123, jrichey@usgs.gov; Lauren Toth, St. Petersburg Science Center, 727-502-8029, ltoth@usgs.gov; or HR Specialist (See "Agency Contact Info" section within the Announcement.)
If you are claiming veterans' preference you must provide a legible copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, member 4 copy or any official documentation or statement from the Armed Forces that confirms your dates of service and that your separation, discharge, or release from active duty was under honorable conditions (i.e., Honorable or General Discharge). Note: If you have more than one DD-214 for multiple periods of active duty, submit a copy for each period of service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the documents specified above, you must also submit documentation that supports your claim, e.g., an official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs (dated 1991 or later) or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying the existence of a service-connected disability, or the award of the Purple Heart, etc. The overall rating must be identified on your certification letter or separation orders.
Documentation must be received by the closing date shown in this vacancy announcement. If you fail to submit any of the required documentation, you will not be granted veterans’ preference. Additional information on veterans' preference can be found in the VetGuide.
INTERIOR, Geological Survey
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
MS-600
Reston, Virginia 20192-0002
United States
Next steps
If an applicant is chosen for an opportunity and meets the qualification requirements, the Human Resources Office will contact the applicant and make a firm job offer..
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
