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For more than 144 years, the USGS has built its reputation on providing the finest Earth science regarding the United States for decision-makers, land managers and the public. From bedrock foundational science to cutting-edge innovations, USGS scientists have been at the forefront of research into the environment, natural resources, natural hazards and mapping needs of the country.
It’s the excellence of our scientists that drives those scientific achievements, though, and in order to ensure that we are recruiting the next generation of geoscientists to our rank, we are inviting applicants to our Mendenhall Research Fellowship cohort for 2023. Check out our page to learn how to apply!
What’s a Mendenhall Fellow?
So what is our Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program? About twenty years ago, we started a new postdoctoral research program in honor of Walter C. Mendenhall (1871-1957), the fifth Director of the USGS. The Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program (now the Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program) provides postdoctoral Fellows, in a variety of fields, the opportunity to conduct research that enhances their experiences, scientific stature and credentials.
Applicants choose from a list of projects to apply to, based on their interests and expertise. Each project has one or more USGS scientists coordinating the fellowship. The projects range across the entirety of the scientific disciplines that we study.
Why Should You Be a Mendenhall?
In addition to competitive pay and benefits, Mendenhall Fellows get to work on exciting and interesting projects and with excellent scientists. In addition, Mendenhall Fellows are some of the best scientists working for us, and many go on to leadership roles within the agency.
In fact, the reasons are as varied as the Mendenhall Fellows themselves. So let’s hear from some of those Mendenhall Fellows in their own words why they enjoy being Fellows and what they get out of the position.
How to Apply
So you’re convinced, you want to be a Mendenhall Fellow with us. Great! Here’s the fine print. You’ll need to fill out an application form by November 1, 2023, and you’ll need to meet two qualifications:
Meet Ph.D. degree requirements no earlier than 5 years before the application opening date. The Ph.D must be completed by the time employment starts;
Meet the qualification requirements described in the Research Opportunity. Applicants must address the USGS scientific needs described in the Research Opportunity description. The proposal must demonstrate that the applicant is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties for the specific Research Opportunity. If they do not, they may not be considered.
Here's the list of active projects seeking Mendenhall Fellows. Take a look, choose which project you feel best suits your interests and qualifications, and apply! Here’s more information on how to do that.
For more information, contact Cara Campbell, manager of the Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program, at ccampbell@usgs.gov or email the general Mendenhall Research Fellowship Mailbox at mendenhall@usgs.gov.
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