A complete application consists of:

• An application

• Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts

• A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list

• Two educational or professional references

  All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

  If you have questions, send an email to EPArpp@orau.org . Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

A postgraduate research project training opportunity is available at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation (OAR). This appointment will be served with the Office of Atmospheric Programs in the Non-Carbon Dioxide Programs Branch (NCPB) of the Climate Change Division in Washington, DC.

NCPB manages voluntary programs that promote near-term, cost-effective methane recovery/use domestically and internationally through the AgSTAR, Natural Gas STAR, Coalbed Methane Outreach, and Landfill Methane Outreach Programs. The AgSTAR program promotes using anaerobic digestion and biogas recovery systems at livestock operations. The program provides information and analyses to encourage widespread implementation of these technologies by decreasing barriers and increasing knowledge of the many co-benefits achievable with these systems, such as increasing energy security, enhancing economic growth, improving environmental quality, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. AgSTAR will focus on activities identified in the Biogas Opportunities Roadmap to address barriers limiting biogas development and support voluntary efforts to reduce methane emissions.

This project will focus on identifying ways to increase the expansion of biogas recovery at livestock operations through the AgSTAR program. The participant will have the opportunity to learn about methane recovery systems at livestock operations, national and regional efforts to promote these systems, and various challenges and drivers affecting this sector while conducting research that supports EPA’s climate change activities. The intern may be involved in hte following activities:

• Researching standards or regulations affecting the sector;
• Analyzing utility barriers and best practices;
• Collecting information on streamlined permitting policies and evaluating their effectiveness;
• Evaluating options for integrating AgSTAR tools and resources into existing or new campaigns, initiatives, and programs to help promote methane recovery; and
• Analyzing ways to expand stakeholder partnerships and access to information through the implementation of the State Partner Program.

Through this project, the participant will witness a range of activities that include the collection and analyses of economic, technical, or policy information and the dissemination of that information in the manner most suitable for its intended audience(s). S/he will gain valuable knowledge and be exposed to a variety of different projects and learning opportunities.

This project will provide a hands-on opportunity to learn how voluntary federal programs on climate change and renewable energy are implemented while gaining excellent exposure to a broad range of agricultural, environmental, and policy issues related to increasing the use of methane recovery technologies at livestock operations. The participant will have the opportunity to submit/present research and project results to interagency groups and industry professionals through regional and national workgroups collaborating to develop creative solutions to overcome institutional barriers and promote innovative approaches in this sector. While participating in a number of program activities, the participant will focus on one of the areas outlined above, depending on his or her background and experience.

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and EPA.

Applicants must have received a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in environmental/agricultural science or engineering, biology, economics, public policy, or a related subject within five years of the desired starting date, or completion of all requirements for the degree should be expected prior to the starting date. Applicants should have an interest in the environment and/or climate change issues related to agriculture.

The appointment will be full-time for one year and may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend. The monthly stipend will range from $3,792 to $4,117 based on educational level and prior experience. No funding will be made available to cover travel costs for pre-appointment visits, relocation costs, tuition and fees, or a participant’s health insurance. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. The participant does not become an EPA employee.

The mentor for this project is Christopher Voell (voell.christopher@epa.gov).

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
• Discipline(s):
  • Engineering (1 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 )