DHS seeks a few good scientists and engineers

The Homeland Security Department’s Science and Technology Directorate is accepting applications for 10 post-doctoral positions at department-affiliated research centers and Energy Department laboratories.

The program provides scientists and engineers “of unusual promise or proven achievement” an opportunity to conduct research as part of the DHS’s mission.

“This DHS post-doctoral program will be an essential aspect of our effort to develop the next generation of scientists and engineers who are focusing on the homeland security mission,” said Charles McQueary, undersecretary for the Science and Technology Directorate, in a press release.

The awards will be made to applicants who have held doctorates for less than five years. Awards last for one year, but are renewable for a maximum of three years. The annual stipend is about $55,000 depending on which venue is sponsoring the position and additional funds for expenses may also be provided. Approved venues include:

n The Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events at the University at Southern California, which is a program to study risk analysis related to the economic consequences of terrorist threats and events.

n The National Center for Food Protection and Defense at the University of Minnesota, which is addressing agricultural security issues related to post-harvest food protection.

n The National Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense at Texas A&M University, which is studying potential threats to animal agriculture, including foot and mouth disease and avian influenza.

n Bechtel Nevada -- Remote Sensing Laboratory

n Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

n Oak Ridge National Laboratory

n Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

n The National Institute of Standards and Technology

The National Research Council of the National Academies coordinates the DHS Postdoctoral Associateship program. The council has conducted a number of these competitions on behalf of federal agencies since 1954.