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Salary: $84,960 (Step 01) to $110,452 (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.
10/08/2021 to 01/06/2022
$84,960 - $110,452 per year
GS 12
Few vacancies in the following location:
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel an average of 1 night per month for this position.
No
Term - 2 Years
Full-time
Excepted
12
No
No
USGS-DEN-21-11242740-MNH-MA
616692300
Open to all qualified candidates who meet the eligibility requirements of the Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. Because this 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, i.e., when there are no qualified U.S. citizen applicants available. In those instances, the USGS may consider making an offer to a non-citizen provided applicable laws and regulations are followed.
Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellowship - Research Opportunity 20-19: Advanced scientific computing to improve assessment of post-fire debris-flow hazards
The USGS conducts debris-flow hazard assessments for recent burn areas across the western U.S.1 The hazard assessments consist of maps identifying the likelihood and potential volume of debris flows throughout the burn area and estimates of the rainfall thresholds required to trigger the flows. The maps are used by federal, state, and local agencies to evaluate risk and develop emergency response and evacuation plans. The rainfall thresholds are used by the National Weather Service to issue watches and warnings for the burn area. Demand for this product has steadily increased since 2014 when the program became operational. Requests for USGS assistance are expected to continue to grow as wildfires increase in size and severity, development continues in vulnerable areas, and precipitation intensifies from warming temperatures.
We seek a Mendenhall fellow to use advances in scientific computing to help the USGS and its partners better identify debris-flow risks after wildfires. The project involves a redesign of the current operational system for rapid delivery and display of debris-flow hazard assessments using best practices in scientific computing as well as research to advance the science underlying debris-flow hazard assessment (probability, size, inundation, pre-fire hazard, or evolving hazard during post-fire recovery). The proposed study will expand current capabilities and enhance models for assessment of potential debris-flow impacts after wildfire. It involves research to integrate computer science, geology, geomorphology, and social science to produce products serving a range of stakeholders. Stakeholders include large agencies who want high-resolution geo-spatial data for risk assessment and planning, and the public who need an easy-to-understand depiction of the hazard. Emerging platforms for cloud computing and display of geo-spatial information may be considered.
The postdoctoral fellow will be mentored by both research and development teams at USGS Geologic Hazards Science Center. The fellow will be embedded with the team who have created some of the most visible products in the Survey. They will provide direction on available computing resources and web infrastructure, as well as exposure to other cutting-edge projects under development. Landslide researchers at GHSC will provide the fellow with education and guidance on the physical science behind landslide hazard assessment. Additionally, the project will involve high levels of engagement with stakeholders and end users, including the National Weather Service, U.S. Forest Service, CAL FIRE, and state geological surveys.
Proposed Duty Station: Golden, Colorado
Areas of Ph.D: Geography, geology, geophysics, hydrology, or computer science or related fields (candidates holding a Ph.D. in other disciplines, but with extensive knowledge and skills relevant to the Research Opportunity may be considered).
Qualifications: Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: Research Computer Scientist, Research Geographer, Research Geologist, Research Geophysicist, Research Hydrologist, or Research Physical Scientist.
(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.)
Physical/Environmental Demands: Work is usually performed in an office setting interacting with a computer. The work area normally involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of offices or meeting and training rooms. Some field work may be required, which would involve moderate risks and discomforts, such as those due to physical exertion including walking and carrying equipment over wet, rough, uneven or rocky surfaces; and bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activities.
Key Requirements:
Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?
General Information
The Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program provides an opportunity for postdoctoral fellows to conduct concentrated research in association with USGS scientists, often as a final element to their formal career preparation. The Program also provides: 1) research experiences that enhance the scientific stature and credentials of the Fellows; and 2) scientific expertise to assist in the implementation of the USGS Strategic Plan and the science strategy of its programs. Mendenhall Fellows are expected to publish their results in peer-reviewed scientific outlets.
Eligibility Requirements
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 no earlier than October 8, 2016(5 years before the announcement opening date); OR
(2) if close to completion, have all Ph.D. requirements completed and must submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date;
(3) 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.
Start Date and Completion of PhD:
It is anticipated that this position will start no later than March 2023. The person selected must have all PhD requirements completed and MUST submit proof of completion prior to receiving an official start date. Exceptions may be made for a later start date on a case-by-case basis.
NOTICE TO NON-CITIZENS
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 Mendenhall Opportunity. Please contact the 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.
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.
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.
Applicants must submit the following for each individual Research Opportunity for which they are applying.
Applications should be prepared as follows (preferably in PDF): 1) Research proposal ONLY; 2) Budget estimate; 3) Resumé or CV; 4) Educational transcripts; 5) List of literature references cited in the proposal, if applicable; and 6) supporting veterans documentation, if applicable.
Clicking on the "APPLY HERE" 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 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.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
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.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/616692300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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