Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) seeks a partner of the California Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) to develop an enhanced gene‑expression panel that can differentiate among multiple environmental stressors affecting wildlife and ecosystem health. The work will involve field experiments on species such as sea lions, sea otters, salmon, longfin smelt, mussels and clams, followed by RNA isolation, sequencing or qPCR analysis, and identification of stress‑responsive genes. The project supports One Health research, aligns with federal executive and secretarial orders on science integrity and climate resilience, and will produce tools for early‑warning and management decisions. Funding is up to $150,000, with $100,000 allocated for the first year and up to four additional years contingent on progress. The award is a cooperative agreement lasting five years. • Develop and validate a multi‑stress gene expression panel for target marine species. • Conduct field experiments exposing organisms to thermal, pathogenic, nutritional, and toxic stressors. • Perform RNA‑seq or qPCR to identify highly differentiated genes. • Deliver data, reports, and tools to USGS for ecosystem monitoring and management. • Follow USGS data‑management, reporting, and geospatial data requirements.