The Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program provides an opportunity for postdoctoral fellows to conduct concentrated research in association with selected members of the USGS professional staff, often as a final element to their formal career preparation. The Program is also intended to provide research experiences that enhance their personal scientific stature and credentials. The Mendenhall Program is envisioned to bring current scientific expertise to assist in the implementation of the USGS Strategic Plan and the science strategy of its programs (refer to http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/2007/1309/,http://www.usgs.gov/start_with_science/). Mendenhall Fellows are expected to publish their results in peer-reviewed scientific outlets.
Salary: $77,490 (Step 01) to $100,736 (Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.
There is one vacancy; however, this announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies if they become available.
Summary
The Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program provides an opportunity for postdoctoral fellows to conduct concentrated research in association with selected members of the USGS professional staff, often as a final element to their formal career preparation. The Program is also intended to provide research experiences that enhance their personal scientific stature and credentials. The Mendenhall Program is envisioned to bring current scientific expertise to assist in the implementation of the USGS Strategic Plan and the science strategy of its programs (refer to http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/2007/1309/,http://www.usgs.gov/start_with_science/). Mendenhall Fellows are expected to publish their results in peer-reviewed scientific outlets.
Salary: $77,490 (Step 01) to $100,736 (Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.
There is one vacancy; however, this announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies if they become available.
Mendenhall Research Fellowship - Research Opportunity #S25: Advanced research related to geologic carbon dioxide storage.
Proposed Duty Station: Reston, VA
Areas of Ph.D.: Geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, petroleum engineering or related fields (candidates holding a Ph.D. in other disciplines but with knowledge and skills relevant to the Research Opportunity may be considered).
(This type of research is performed by those who have backgrounds for the occupations stated above. However, other titles may be applicable depending on the applicant's background, education, and research proposal. The final classification of the position will be made by the Human Resources Specialist.)
Office work utilizing computers will be the vast majority of the work required and is primarily sedentary except for incidental periods of lifting associated with moving small computers or loading paper into printers. Office work may involve occasional exposure to a laboratory that involves risks and hazards that require safety precautions. Field work requires high risks at times. Potentially dangerous situations could be encountered at well sites should such an opportunity arise. Field work may involve exposure to moderate risks and discomforts, such as those due to: adverse weather conditions, such as high winds and low or high temperatures; and travel in safety approved small air and water craft and off-road vehicles. The employee applies a wide range of safety precautions when controlled conditions deteriorate due to unforeseen conditions or previously unknown risks.
Selectee must identify a financial institution for direct deposit of pay.
Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses are NOT authorized.
Determination of salary based on the geographic location of the position.
Selectee subject to successfully passing a pre-employment medical exam.
More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information.
Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position? 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.
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.
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.
Qualifications
In order to be considered for these opportunities, candidates must: (1) have successfully completed a Ph.D. in an area described in the Research Opportunity. The Ph.D. degree requirements must have been met no earlier than February 21, 2012, 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.
Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. An agency is permitted to hire non-citizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position, and meets the appropriation and immigration laws. Please contact the appropriate regional Personnel Office for questions about eligibility and further assistance. https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Employment_of_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.http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/quals/foreign.html.
You must meet all eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
Education
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the educational requirements. Applicants must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education (undergraduate/graduate) is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/quals/foreign.html.
Additional information
Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Federal Government. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting for duty in this position will be the responsibility of the selectee. These research opportunities are in the excepted service and are being filled through a Schedule A noncompetitive appointing authority. Appointments do not confer competitive or permanent status in the Federal Government nor are they subject to competitive examining procedures. The Mendenhall appointment may, in certain circumstances, be extended for up to an additional two years though rare. The Social Security Number is requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify records from those of other applicants who have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, the SSN is used if information is needed from employers, schools, banks, and others. Please only include the last four digits of your Social Security Number once in your package of materials (preferably on the resume or cover letter). Do NOT put your Social Security Number on each page of your application package. The person selected for this opportunity will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment" (OF-306), prior to being appointed to determine his/her suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. Before being hired, selectees will be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in the application package. Failure to answer all questions truthfully and completely or providing false statements on the application may be grounds for not hiring the applicant, for dismissing the applicant after he/she begins work or taking other disciplinary action, and may be punishable under fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, Title 18, section 1001). As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31,1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service Law. 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, or direct or indirect interest in any private mining or mineral enterprise doing business with the United States; or (c) execute surveys or examinations for private parties or corporations. . Application packages may contain 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. Recruitment methods and selection procedures will be based solely on merit after fair and open competition and will be made without regard to political, religious, or labor organization affiliation or nonaffiliation, marital status, race, color, sex, national origin, disqualifying physical handicap, sexual orientation, or age. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. 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 location identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this location on a regular and recurring basis.
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. For some additional details, such as a description of the criteria used to evaluate applications, please visit the FAQ section. To preview questions please click here.
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 location identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this location on a regular and recurring basis.
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:
number and title of the Research Opportunity;
how the applicant became aware of the Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program;
last 4 digits of the Applicant's Social Security Number;
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 at which the applicant can be reached. (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: rkotra@usgs.gov and the appropriate Human Resources contact.
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. 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.
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. Applications should be prepared 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. Clicking on the "APPLY" button next to each Research Opportunity in the Table of Research Opportunities will take applicants to the USAJOBS application for that particular Opportunity. For technical assistance for submitting an application through USAJOBS, contact the HR Specialist listed as the Point of Contact listed in this announcement. 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 Standard 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 11:59pm 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 Dr. Rama Kotra Office of Science Quality and Integrity 703-648-6271 - rkotra@usgs.gov HR Specialist (See "Agency Contact Info" section within the Announcement.)
Applicants claiming 10-point veterans' preference, must submit a DD-214, SF-15 and supporting documents (e.g., official statement from the Department of Veterans' Affairs). If applicants fail to provide supporting documentation, they will only be granted 5-point tentative preference if appropriate. Required documents may be faxed, mailed or hand delivered to the servicing Human Resources Office. For more information on veterans' preference, visit: http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp
INTERIOR, Geological Survey
PO Box 25046, Denver Federal Center
Building 810, MS 612
Denver, CO 80225
US
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:
number and title of the Research Opportunity;
how the applicant became aware of the Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program;
last 4 digits of the Applicant's Social Security Number;
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 at which the applicant can be reached. (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: rkotra@usgs.gov and the appropriate Human Resources contact.
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. 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.
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. Applications should be prepared 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. Clicking on the "APPLY" button next to each Research Opportunity in the Table of Research Opportunities will take applicants to the USAJOBS application for that particular Opportunity. For technical assistance for submitting an application through USAJOBS, contact the HR Specialist listed as the Point of Contact listed in this announcement. 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 Standard 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 11:59pm 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 Dr. Rama Kotra Office of Science Quality and Integrity 703-648-6271 - rkotra@usgs.gov HR Specialist (See "Agency Contact Info" section within the Announcement.)
Applicants claiming 10-point veterans' preference, must submit a DD-214, SF-15 and supporting documents (e.g., official statement from the Department of Veterans' Affairs). If applicants fail to provide supporting documentation, they will only be granted 5-point tentative preference if appropriate. Required documents may be faxed, mailed or hand delivered to the servicing Human Resources Office. For more information on veterans' preference, visit: http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp
INTERIOR, Geological Survey
PO Box 25046, Denver Federal Center
Building 810, MS 612
Denver, CO 80225
US
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.
