Ecological careers at Federally Funded Research and Development Centers

Career opportunities at Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) include positions for analysts (who work in field or laboratory settings), computer modelers, theorists, and specialists in geographic information systems as well as communications. The science is focused on testing hypotheses and never advocates a particular outcome. Rather, information is produced in an unbiased fashion. While FFRDCs hire scientists who typically have a masters or doctorate degree, these institutions also employ lawyers, business managers, and human resource specialists who must understand how science is conducted. FFRDCs are often on the lookout for new staff, postdocs, post‐masters fellows, and graduate students. At each FFRDC, announcements for new positions are posted on institutional websites, and scientific staff and recruiters actively search for prospective employees by attending presentations at scientific meetings. It is useful to let a current staff member know if you are interested in a position at their FFRDC.