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Summer Research Opportunity

U.S. Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center
Ann Arbor, MI

Closing Date: Jun 5, 2026

Description

Summer Research Opportunity: Sustainable Control Strategies for an Invasive Wetland Grass (Phragmites australis)
 

A program through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), is providing a summer research opportunity for current or recent students (graduated within 4 years) to participate in a research project investigating sustainable control strategies for the invasive Phragmites australis (common reed) at the USGS Great Lakes Science Center in Ann Arbor, MI. 

 
Research Project Description: Control of invasive plant species is important to preserve native habitats and is a high priority for many land management agencies. The non-native Phragmites australis (common reed) is an aggressive invader of high-quality wetlands and lakeshores and a major nuisance species along roadsides and public access areas. Conventional treatment approaches such as burning, manipulating water levels, mowing, and herbicides are expensive, not species-specific, and generally not effective long-term. Therefore, the development of novel management strategies is of significant value and interest to land managers across North America. The USGS Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) is developing more sustainable control mechanisms for non-native Phragmites and other invasive aquatic species.Scientists are currently testing:
  1. 1) Alterations to the microbial communities that occur in and around invasive plants and;
  2. 2) Species-specific molecular approaches (e.g., RNA interference) to control the most aggressive traits of Phragmites and Hydrocharis morsus-ranae (European Frog-bit, EFB).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 15, 2026. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for 10 weeks but may be renewed upon recommendation of DOI and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.
 

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