EPA Postdoctoral Fellowship in Environmental Indoor biological and Chemical Contaminants
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An application
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Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
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A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
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Two educational or professional recommendations. Click here for detailed information about recommendations.
*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline. Click here for information about the selection process.
EPA Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available at the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (OAIR), Indoor Environments Division (IED) located in Washington, DC. The Indoor Environments Division (IED) is a non-regulatory program that was established to address the significant public health risks that are related to the indoor environment. IED develops, synthesizes and translates indoor air quality (IAQ) science to inform policy and programs; provides technical guidance and assistance, public information and education; and partners with industry, non-governmental organizations, states, tribes and communities to raise awareness and facilitate risk reducing actions.
Research Project: The goal of this project is to conduct research on microplastics and other emerging contaminants in indoor environments and identify methods or procedures to reduce exposures to those contaminants in indoor environments, focusing on the residential environment. Analysis will include consideration of chemical reactions between microplastics and chemicals commonly found in indoor environments. This project will involve examination of how biological and chemical contaminants indoors are detected, interpretation of peer reviewed literature, examination of indoor chemistry and biology issues related to indoor contaminants, and implications for mitigation guidance for consumers and other stakeholders. This research may ultimately contribute to additions or modifications to voluntary guidance to reduce chemical and biological contaminants indoors.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop analytical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the science related to indoor air quality (IAQ), including indoor chemistry, epidemiology and IAQ, and emerging issues in IAQ.
- Gain experience collecting, compiling, and analyzing literature..
- Learn how to evaluate cutting edge science on IAQ.
- Publish results of literature analysis in the peer reviewed literature and present findings at public meetings and/or conferences.
Mentors: The mentor for this opportunity is Laura Kolb (kolb.laura@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor(s).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Winter 2022. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.
Appointment Length: The appointment may initially be for one year and may be renewed three to four additional years upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Click here for detailed information about full-time stipends.
EPA Security Clearance: Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at EPA.
ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and EPA. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.
ORISE offers all ORISE EPA graduate students and Postdocs a free 5 year membership to the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA).
Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.EPA.REG@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
- Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 12/31/2021 11:59:00 PM.
- Discipline(s):
- Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).



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