Coastal and Aquatic Ecological Research -Focused on Oyster Restoration

Zintellect is seeking a participant for a full-time, twelve-month internship focused on coastal and aquatic ecological research, specifically oyster restoration in the Gulf of Mexico. The role involves collaboration with the ERDC Environmental Laboratory and the University of Southern Mississippi, assisting in experimental design, data collection, and analysis. Participants receive a stipend, health insurance options, and potential relocation and travel allowances. The position is based in Vicksburg, MS.
The Environmental Laboratory (EL) provides relevant, value-added technology supporting the environmental mission of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Army, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Nation. Headquartered in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the EL’s interdisciplinary staff of over 220 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel plans and executes all phases of the technology development process, from basic research to field implementation to commercialization. The EL staff consists of problem solvers who use research, development, experimentation, special studies, and technical support to address the needs of national and international business development partners. Partnering with Federal and State agencies, academia, and the private sector, the EL uses its distinctive technical capabilities to resolve complex, multi-disciplinary environmental sustainability problems.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected participant will be participating in collaborative coastal and aquatic ecological research. The participant will participate in a collaborative field experiment focused on bivalve restoration techniques in the Gulf of Mexico, that will improve Gulf sturgeon habitat and oyster reef, and will assess the use of Natural and Nature Based Features. The participant will participate by serving as a liaison between the ERDC Environmental Laboratory and University of Southern Mississippi partners on this oyster restoration research. In addition, the participant will concurrently participate with the development of additional research projects within the coastal ecology and aquatic invasive species research groups portfolios. This will include, but will not be limited to, assisting with experimental design, data collection, analysis of results and writing papers. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, bivalve ecology, coastal restoration, oyster reef dynamics and commercial fisheries, invasive species, ecological study design, threatened and endangered species, among others.

Appointment Length

This appointment is a full-time twelve month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

Participant Benefits

Participants 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

Nature of Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOD, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.