EPA Children’s Environmental Health Research Opportunity

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-OCHP-2020-0001
How to Apply

A complete application consists of:

  • An application
  • 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.
  • A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
  • Two educational or professional recommendations. Click here for detailed information about recommendations.

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

Application Deadline
7/28/2020 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*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 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Children's Health Protection (OCHP), Regulatory Support and Science Policy Division (RSSPD) located in Washington, DC.

EPA’s children’s health protection efforts are guided by Executive Order 13045, “Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks" and "EPA's Policy on Evaluating Risk to Children". OCHP has the fundamental goal to ensure that all EPA actions and programs address the unique vulnerabilities of children. For more information, see: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-office-childrens-health-protection-ochp and https://www.epa.gov/children.

Research Project: RSSPD addresses the potential for unique exposures, hazards, health effects, and health risks in early life (pregnancy, childhood, reproductive years) during the development of agency actions, regulations, assessments, methods and policies across the EPA. This research opportunity provides the participant a chance to contribute to OCHP by applying science to EPA regulations and risk assessment and regulations. Further, the project provides training in identifying current children’s environmental health issues and provides an opportunity to develop information and approaches to resolve these issues.

Learning Objectives: With guidance from an OCHP mentor and other team members, the participant will gain experience in children’s environmental health (CEH), how scientific evidence is used to inform EPA decision-making, principles of risk assessment and developing regulations, and may be involved in the following training activities:

  • Reviewing and addressing CEH, including potential exposures and health effects, in agency actions and rule making
  • Providing review of CEH in risk analysis products (e.g., chemical-specific, outcome-specific, or lifestage-specific assessments)
  • Conducting literature reviews, conducting analyses/synthesis of data, and preparing scientific text and other materials for EPA reports, scientific journal articles, or other publications related to CEH
  • Attending and presenting at scientific conferences related to CEH
  • Develop individual projects (e.g., to fill a data gap in CEH) based on professional training and interest

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Rebecca Dzubow (dzubow.rebecca@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: ~September 2020  All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed up to three 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.

Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email EPArpp@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

  • Knowledge of children’s health, including pediatrics or public health
  • Knowledge of risk assessment
  • Excellent scientific and analytical skills
  • Ability to research complex concepts
  • Ability to communicate well both orally and in writing to diverse audiences
  • Ability to conduct research both independently and in teams
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (1 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
    • Engineering (3 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (3 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
    • Other Non-Science & Engineering (2 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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