Participating Lab: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)

AI-Enabled Security Defenses for Critical Infrastructure

Research Opportunity Location:
Vicksburg, MS

Research Opportunity Description:
Given the recent increase in cyber-attacks on the Nation's critical infrastructure, the importance of developing effective mitigation technologies has become increasingly clear. The project would introduce students to the development of AI techniques to defend against cyber attacks targeting critical infrastructure.

Research Scientist or Engineer

Research Opportunity Location:
Hanover, NH

Research Opportunity Description:
Help transition the largest user of energy in the US - the Department of Defense - to more efficient and lower carbon-emitting electricity generating and heating strategies in all climates. You will be consulting on many different projects from electric vehicles, batteries, building heating and electrification, microgrids, renewable energy technologies, energy resource assessments, and more. Position has flexibility to fit your research interests, travel opportunities if desired, and some work from home potential.

Research Mathematical Biologist

Research Opportunity Location:
Hanover, NH

Research Opportunity Description:
Assess the role of spatial-temporal heterogeneity on biological processes in natural and disturbed environments and the roles of uncertainty in signal propagation and detection problems. The applicant will develop mathematical models (1) to predict biological process dynamics in heterogeneous systems according to weather and terrain and (2) to address statistical signal propagation and detection problems.

Research Materials Engineer

Research Opportunity Location:
Hanover, NH

Research Opportunity Description:
Researcher will simulate novel materials in a variety of cold and extreme conditions, with the intent to identify their thermal and mechanical properties. Material topics may include structural materials, biomaterials, soils/natural materials, and others as projects develop. Model development will include finite element, discrete element, and machine learning.

Polarimetric analysis for man-made material delineation

Research Opportunity Location:
Alexandria, VA

Research Opportunity Description:
The research effort seeks an intern to analyze spectropolarimetric data of man-made materials for statistical separability. The intern would use Stokes Vector measurements of materials taken from visible, shortwave infrared, and longwave infrared polarimetric cameras. The intern should be knowledgeable in Python and have the ability to learn multivariate statistics.

Biologist, Agronomist

Research Opportunity Location:
Hanover, NH

Research Opportunity Description:
Performs literature searches; surveys bibliographies, references and other sources, and prepares summaries, files or syntheses of material in the subject field as defined by the project leader. Visits field sites to observe and/or identify problems being encountered. Applies standard methods, procedures, and techniques to plan, set up and execute experiments. Recommends modifications to test procedures and equipment to project leader, or develops original methods, techniques and equipment to meet unique requirements of studies. Designs and conducts experiments, applies standard methods and algorithms to the analysis of data obtained to determine validity, sufficiency, and applicability.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Research Opportunity Location:
Vicksburg, MS

Research Opportunity Description:
Research in developing and/or utilize existing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to rapidly discern future trends, which could be applied to various domains, including computer vision, LLMs, Generative Models/GANs, etc. 

Cybersecurity

Research Opportunity Location:
Vicksburg, MS

Research Opportunity Description:
Research and develop tools or algorithms to protect critical Research and Development and infrastructure networks, industrial control systems (ICS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and programable logic controllers (PLC) against adversaries that continually develop, modify, and adapt threats to constrain the ability to effectively and securely operate in cyberspace. The new and innovative capability will leverage networked-, host-, and behavior-based concepts to provide a holistic cybersecurity defense approach and provide cyber situational awareness.

Research Engineer Intern

Research Opportunity Location:
Champaign, IL

Research Opportunity Description:
Developing model-based systems engineering solutions to forecast the reliability and resilience of installation power grids. Ongoing development of our optimization models will involve expanding calculation metrics to show Army installation managers and community planners the most optimal set of power resources to meet critical objectives. The intern will contribute by exploring how to incorporate a greater variety of power resources in various power grid configurations for wider applications. This includes mathematically modeling the power generation of cutting-edge technologies such as solar cells with alternate chemistry, vertical-axis wind turbines, and non lithium-ion energy storage systems. Our team is also engaging in emerging projects surrounding power system resilience, so the intern will expand the scope of our resilience metrics to quantify a provisional power grid’s ability to prepare, respond, recover, and adapt to natural and human-based adverse events. The best candidates for this position are knowledgeable in power systems, renewables, and energy storage, or are otherwise eager to learn.

Computational Modeling

Research Opportunity Location:
Vicksburg, MS

Research Opportunity Description:
Research, develop, refine, validate, and apply advanced computational methods and mathematics to model physical, biological, and sociological systems. Works to make these advanced computational systems more practical, meaningful, useful, and available to address problems of the Corps, Army, and Nation.

Robotics/Autonomy and Sensing Systems

Research Opportunity Location:
Vicksburg, MS

Research Opportunity Description:
Research autonomy and the development of robotic and autonomous systems, develop methods of integrating sensors and computational resources on robotic systems, and create novel techniques to apply robots and autonomous systems.

Data Analytics

Research Opportunity Location:
Vicksburg, MS

Research Opportunity Description:
Research and develop capabilities that address data display, data analysis, data visualization, data archiving, and mass storage. Design state-of-the-art algorithms, scientific data analysis, for large and small- scale software system configuration, sizing, and development methodologies utilizing recognized techniques and scientific data format standards.

Modeling and Simulation for Experimental Analysis

Research Opportunity Location:
Vicksburg, MS

Research Opportunity Description:
This work will support the exploration of Army modeling and simulation (M&S) capabilities and software to enable data and model exchange for collaboration across the Army M&S Enterprise. A student intern supporting this effort will acquire access to M&S tools to gain familiarity with applicable existing models and platforms, explore integration capabilities, and otherwise support a variety of integration efforts. Leveraging Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and DevSecOps tools, the successful student intern will gain experience using tools and capabilities that the Army uses to carry out its mission. The intern will also support development of user guides, construct and organize Confluence material, and enable identification and documentation of lessons learned during the development and integration process.

Distributed Low Energy Wastewater Treatment

Research Opportunity Location:
Vicksburg, MS

Research Opportunity Description:
The Distributed Low-Energy Wastewater Treatment (DLEWT) team is developing a containerized low energy wastewater treatment system that is made up of 3 components: anaerobic membrane bioreactors, ion exchange columns, and electrolysis cells. The system treats sanitary waste while generating methane and hydrogen gas fuels. Additionally, the treated water can be polished for beneficial reuse. The DLEWT system can be deployed to support wastewater treatment for troops, in emergency relief situations, or as replacement of wastewater treatment infrastructure. Project objectives for the current year include characterization and use of the biogas, quality of treated effluent and polishing needs, and achieving continuous operation of the system. Student tasks will include operation of the system, related bench scale experiments, sample collection of both gas and liquid streams, sample analysis, literature reviews, and report writing. Skills gained will include training on laboratory techniques such as safe use of chemicals, sample preparation and analysis in a variety of matrices, effective record keeping, basic plumbing, and integration of new treatment components. Analysis methods encountered may include ion chromatography, total organic carbon analysis, and colorimetric water quality tests.

Software Engineering

Research Opportunity Location:
Vicksburg, MS

Research Opportunity Description:
Investigate software engineering methodologies; conduct research, development, and studies of information systems and applications; and develop, test, operate, and maintain decision support systems

Library Science

Research Opportunity Location:
Vicksburg, MS

Research Opportunity Description:
Development of methods and technologies that support categorization, archiving, management, optimization and retrieval of information and knowledge to include library and information systems science services.

Microgrid Engineering Internship

Research Opportunity Location:
Champaign, IL

Research Opportunity Description:
The Universal Battlefield Power (UBP) team is seeking an intern to investigate and develop novel engineering methodology for electrical infrastructure. This internship opportunity will have the intern develop engineering practices around microgrids, offering a high-level view from the initial design phase onwards. The UBP team and USACE have a broad set of disciplines to support accelerated learning during the internship. There are three possible paths to research within this internship. The first path investigates advances in modeling, simulation, and analysis. The second path integrates software platforms and develops of a usable set of integrated tools. The third path explores possibilities for advancing the state of the art with metering, data collection, and data management. The ideal intern is passionate about making an impact in the world through innovation in power systems, algorithms, and databases.

Coastal & Hydraulics Laboratory Research

Research Opportunity Location:
Vicksburg, MS

Research Opportunity Description:
Solve problems and initiate scientific discovery through a multi-faceted approach that includes field and laboratory data collection and instrumentation development, physical modeling, computational science and data analytics. The researchers who collaborate on these multi-faceted problems have strengths in our core competencies:  Hydrology, River and Estuarine Engineering, Coastal Science and Engineering, Fluid Structure Interaction, Maritime Operations

Simulation of unmanned ground vehicle

Research Opportunity Location:
Alexandria, VA

Research Opportunity Description:
This focus of this project is to leverage a small unmanned ground vehicle to autonomously survey and map areas in GPS denied environments. To accomplish this goal we leverage the Robot Operating System (ROS). ROS has a steep learning curve and runs primarily in Linux, so a working knowledge of the Bourne Again Shell helps with the learning curve. We also leverage version control software git to track code changes. Also, experience with Integrated Development Environment is highly preferred. For this effort we are looking for qualified candidates that can assist in sensor integration, object recognition, and enhance our navigation stack. For sensor integration, we have recently acquired new sensors including but not limited to LIDARs, IMUs and GPS. All of the acquired sensors have ROS drivers to ease integration. The student would be responsible for integrating the sensor on the UGV and performing various tests to evaluate performance. For object recognition, the student would leverage You Only Look Once software to identify objects. Once the object is identified, the object’s location would be projected in 3D and included into the database. For our navigation stack, we are looking to include behavior trees to control how the robot functions in different scenarios. We also very interested in sensor fusion using nonlinear least squares optimization techniques. In short, a student has options to choose which particular area they would like to expand their knowledge base and would focus on that path for the duration of the appointment.

Global Critical Infrastructure Study Internship

Research Opportunity Location:
Champaign, IL

Research Opportunity Description:
The Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) at the USACE Engineer Research and Development Lab in Champaign, IL is seeking an undergraduate student intern for part-time employment for the 2024-2025 school year in the Emergency and Operational Support Research Branch under Dr. Jessica Lyons. Primary work duties will include open-source research and writing on the topic of international critical infrastructure, including energy, climate, and transportation resources. Applicants should have strong writing and research skills, familiarity with citation formatting, be willing to work with a small but dedicated team, and have an interest in resource management, logistics, transportation, and/or climate studies and impacts.

Research and Development for Social and Environmental Justice Intern

Research Opportunity Location:
Champaign, IL

Research Opportunity Description:
The Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) at the USACE Engineer Research and Development Lab in Champaign, IL is seeking an undergraduate student intern in the Emergency and Operational Support Research Branch under Dr. Jessica Lyons and Ms. Elissa Yeates. Primary work duties will include open-source research and writing on the topic of research and development for social and environmental justice under flood risk management. Applicants should have strong writing and research skills, familiarity with citation formatting, be willing to work with a small but dedicated team, and have an interest in social and environmental justice initiatives, policy, and planning, strategic planning, community planning, and/or research development.

Geotechnical & Structures Laboratory Research

Research Opportunity Location:
Vicksburg, MS

Research Opportunity Description:
Solve problems and initiate scientific discovery through a multi-faceted approach that includes field and laboratory data collection and instrumentation development, computational science and data analytics. We use these techniques to develop innovative solutions in the following areas: Force projection and maneuver support, Force protection and weapons effects, Civil works and infrastructure, Operational support and technology transfer. Develop innovative solutions to complex geotechnical engineering challenges that address some of the world’s toughest Civil Works and Military Engineering challenges. GSL collaborates across the ERDC and the USACE, as well as other government agencies, industry and academic partners to deliver world-class products in the research areas of: Airfields and Pavements, Concrete and Materials, Geotechnical Engineering and Geosciences, Impact and Explosion Effects, Mobility Systems, Structural Engineering, Structural Mechanics, and Survivability Engineering

CAD/BIM and xR

Research Opportunity Location:
Vicksburg, MS

Research Opportunity Description:
Perform research and development on a wide range of geospatial, geographic information system, CAD, BIM, CAFM, and related technologies, including using Augmented and Virtual reality systems to support a variety of activities. Research should include relevant hardware and software systems.

Environmental Laboratory Research

Research Opportunity Location:
Vicksburg, MS

Research Opportunity Description:
Environmental research interns will work to improve our customers’ ability to expand operations in the environment while minimizing impacts. We protect Soldiers from threats in the environment; we expand Soldier training windows that have been constrained by the environment; we find the best concepts for the Nation’s infrastructure — delivering the greatest benefits to both the public and the environment. The Environmental Laboratory's research facilities and capabilities are as diverse as our staff, and include chemistry – analytical, computational, soils and geology; genomics and systems biology; ecosystem assessment and restoration; ecotoxicology; remote sensing; geospatial data analysis and modeling; cognitive ecology and animal behavior; contaminated sediment fate, transport and remediation; microbiology for biodegradation; remediation and monitoring; materials science, life-cycle assessments and bio-inspired technology and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis.

Construction Engineering Research Laboratory Research

Research Opportunity Location:
Champaign, IL

Research Opportunity Description:
Participate in research that provides cutting-edge research and development in the primary areas of Infrastructure Science and Engineering (ISE) and Operational Science and Engineering (OSE). ISE’s core competencies (Sustainment Management System, Materials & Structures, Energy and Installation Readiness) provide solutions for durable, resilient and sustainable military and civil works facilities. OSE’s core competencies (Emergency and Operational Support, Training Lands and Heritage and Warfighter Engineering) deliver integrated solutions for all phases of installation and contingency basing operations and emergency response.