Paid Fellowship Opportunities at the USACE Field Research Facility
Brodie, Katherine L CIV USARMY CEERD-CHL (USA)
Attention recent Undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. coastal scientists and engineers!
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s Field Research Facility located in Duck, NC is seeking multiple ORISE Fellows through the following announcement:https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/ERDC-CHL-2026-0008
Positions will be at least 1-year paid appointments with opportunities for extension and will be located on-site at the Field Research Facility in Duck, NC. Compensation stipends will be commensurate with academic experience. Application review is rolling and positions will continue to be made as appropriate.
The participant, while under the guidance of their mentor, will engage in coastal research related to hydrodynamics, sediment transport, morphodynamics, maritime robotics, and/or testing of new observation methods. The participant will join a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians collaborating to test and develop code bases, conduct data collection and analysis, produce data products, and document findings. The opportunity will include a range of activities and experiences including joining a diverse team to work on applied research problems, receiving mentoring from colleagues, and expanding experience with coding languages, algorithm development, and data analysis. Efforts may include, depending on the experience and interest of the applicant, wave and circulation numerical modeling, temporal and spatial signal processing, observational data collection and analysis, and Bayesian data fusion techniques. This position announcement will fill multiple fellowship opportunities, including (but not limited to) the specific focus areas identified below.
Please follow the instructions through zintellect link above to apply and send a copy of your resume and a short statement of interest identifying the specific topic area you are interested in, to the FRF Branch Chief (Erin Diurba, Erin.S...@usace.army.mil ) and FRF Technical Manager (Dr. Kate Brodie, Katherine...@usace.army.mil ).
Thanks!
-Kate
Katherine L. Brodie, Ph.D.
Senior Scientific Technical Manager
Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory
US Army Engineer Research and Development Center
1261 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949
Katherine...@usace.army.mil
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1. Satellite Remote Sensing: This project focuses on developing, testing, and validating algorithms for deriving coastal characteristics from satellite data sources. The primary objective of the project is to develop fully automated codebases that can be used to extract coastal parameters like beach slope, sandbar characteristics, and bathymetry. The fellow will work alongside team members to continue the codebase development, validate of the workflow at a number of different sites, and compare the resulting bathymetric surfaces to those derived using other existing toolboxes that often include manual calibration steps.
Preferred candidates are MS or PhD level and have experience in:
· Experience with multi-spectral or wave-derived bathymetry inversion and coastal image segmentation algorithms preferred
· Python coding using geospatial libraries including: rasterio, numpy, geopandas in various operating systems
· Geospatial datasets including but not limited to multispectral imagery, IceSAT2, and general data types
· Git versioning
· Virtual environments (mamba/conda)
· Foundational understanding of algorithm development and testing
· Foundational understanding of coastal dynamics
2. Maritime Autonomy: The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) offers an opportunity for a fellow to be involved in the state-of-the-art in nearshore sensing. This project focuses on the analysis of data from uncrewed systems to map complex hydrodynamic features, specifically wave breaking and energy dissipation, using semi-passive tracers (e.g., Lagrangian drifters or micro-buoys). The research is centered at the intersection of field observation and full-scale laboratory experimentation. The primary objective of the project is to develop and validate algorithms for wave shape reconstruction and kinematics by analyzing high-frequency Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signatures derived from passive floating robotic platforms.
Preferred candidates are MS or PhD level and have experience in
· Linear and non-linear wave theory, surfzone dynamics, Lagrangian transport mechanics.
· Advanced time-series analysis (spectral analysis, wavelets), signal processing, and Kalman filtering.
· Experience applying ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) to physical systems or "Physics-Informed Neural Networks" (PINNs).
· Python (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas)
· Familiarity with Robot Operating System (ROS), RTK-GNSS integration, and sensor fusion protocols.
· C++ or Rust for real-time edge processing
3. Numerical Modeling & Data Fusion/Assimilation: the participant will focus on investigating lightweight, near-realtime frameworks that enable rapid environment predictions through integration of observations and models.
Preferred candidates are MS or PhD level and have experience in:
· Experience applying numerical modeling and data analysis to simulate wave dynamics, sediment transport, and other nearshore phenomena
· Bayesian data fusion techniques
· Python, Git, High Performance Computing
4. Field Operations & Experimentation Coordination: This opportunity focuses on developing skills to support comprehensive orchestration, synchronization, and logistical execution of field-based ocean observation research and large-scale experimentation campaigns. The primary objective is to gain experience with the full lifecycle of experiment support—navigating complex operational dependencies that span regulatory compliance, personnel management, and equipment readiness. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team to synchronize experiment requirements with available resources, ensuring that technical and data objectives are met during the field efforts. Key experiences include the management of experiment preparation logistics, the navigation of intricate environmental and safety approvals, and the synthesis of post-mission analysis into actionable After-Action Reports (AARs) and Situation Reports (SITREPs).
Preferred candidates hold a BS degree or higher and have experience or knowledge in:
· Ocean observation research, including the deployment of sensors and marine data collection methodologies.
· Planning, coordinating, and executing complex field campaigns or large-scale scientific exercises.
· Familiarity with regulatory compliance, such as environmental approvals, frequency use requests, and range safety requirements.
· Technical communication, with the ability to translate technical needs and end-products into presentation materials for stakeholders and end-users.
· Leadership and organization skills, specifically in tracking complex operational dependencies across synchronized project milestones and team schedules.
· Data processing requirements for oceanographic products and site-specific technical support.