Click HERE to apply.

The EPA National Student Services Contract has an immediate opening for a full time Nanoparticle Enviro Research Scientist position with the Office of Research and Development at the EPA facility in Research Triangle Park, NC.

The Office of Research and Development at the EPA supports high-quality research to improve the scientific basis for decisions on national environmental issues and help EPA achieve its environmental goals. Research is conducted in a broad range of environmental areas by scientists in EPA laboratories and at universities across the country.

What the EPA project is about

The Center for Environmental Measurement & Modeling CEMM conducts research to advance EPA’s ability to measure and model contaminants in the environment, including research to provide fundamental methods and models needed to implement environmental statutes. Within CEMM, the Watershed and Ecosystem Characterization Division WECD supports EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment by developing and applying innovations in exposure science.  The Multimedia Methods Branch MMB within WECD develops and demonstrates analytical methodology that supports the Agency’s mission. More specifically, current efforts under the Chemical Safety and Sustainability CSS program and the Safe and Sustainable Water Resources SSWR program include research into the generation, release and exposure (human and ecosystem) to nanoscale plastic particles.

What experience and skills will you gain?

As a team member, you will develop and apply methods to characterize and measure plastic nanoparticles released into the environment from sources including the breakdown of secondary microplastics and emissions from 3D printers. You will be a member of a multi-disciplinary research team and will conduct laboratory research using typical methods and instrumentation such as pipettors, balances and pH meters as well as specialized instrumentation required for nanomaterial measurement and characterization.

Laboratory Research Responsibilities shall include:

• Operation of 3D printers and aerosol particle analysis instrumentation;
• Operation of nanoparticle analysis instrumentation including nanoparticle tracking analysis, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscope;
• Operation of nanoparticle fabrication equipment including a cryo-mill and Taber Abrader;
• Operation of metals analysis instrumentation such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and X-ray fluorescence spectrometer; and
• Conducting literature reviews.

Communications-related responsibilities shall include:

• Participating as a member of a multi-disciplinary research team;
• Interacting with other members of the development team as well as EPA scientists;
• Collect, document and analyze data; and
• Presenting work performed at a scientific conference as required.   

Required Knowledge, Skills, Work Experience, and Education

• Demonstrated education and/or experience with operation of one or more of the following nanoparticle analysis instruments:
  • Nanoparticle tracking analysis;
  • Dynamic light scattering; and
  • Scanning electron microscope.
• Demonstrated experience with two or more of the following nanomaterial analysis instruments:
  • Operation of 3D printers and aerosol particle analysis instrumentation;
  • Operation of nanoparticle fabrication equipment including a cryo-mill and Taber Abrader; and
  • Operation of metals analysis instrumentation such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer or X-ray fluorescence spectrometer.
• Strong written, oral and electronic communication skills.

Location: This job will be located EPA’s facility in Research Triangle Park, NC.

Salary: Selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU and will receive an hourly wage of $30.16 for hours worked.

Hours: Full-time.

Travel: Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Expected start date: The position is full time and expected to begin December 2021. The selected applicant will become a temporary employee of ORAU working as a contractor to EPA. The initial project is through May 14, 2022, with up to 3 additional option periods.

For more information, contact EPAjobs@orau.org. Do not contact EPA directly.

• Be at least 18 years of age and
• Have earned at least a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or closely related field within the last 24 months and
• Be a citizen of the United States of America or a Legal Permanent Resident and

EPA ORD employees, their spouses, and children are not eligible to participate in this program.

• Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
• Degree: Master's Degree received within the last 24 month(s).
• Minimum Overall GPA: 2.00
• Discipline(s):
  • Engineering (3 )

I certify that I am at least 18 years of age; a recent graduate with at least a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, or closely related field. within the last 24 months; a citizen or a Legal Permanent Resident of the United States of America; and not a current employee of EPA ORD or the spouse or child of an EPA ORD employee.

Click HERE to apply.