Technical Researcher

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-OCSPP-OPPT-2018-01
How to Apply

A complete application consists of:

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.

Description

The appointment will involve implementing the reauthorized Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) by identifying chemicals that may be candidates for low priority substance designation. This position is located in the Design for the Environment Branch (DfEB) in EPA's Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT).

The selected applicant will participate on a small team researching and identifying safer chemicals.  Under TSCA, EPA is required to establish a risk-based process and criteria to prioritize chemical substances as either high priority or low priority substances. Prioritization is the initial step in a process of existing chemical substance review and risk management activity established under section 6(b)(1). The research participant will assist toxicologists, chemists, and environmental health specialists to develop and evaluate approaches.  The team will use the Agency’s Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL) as a resource, and gather and present information on the toxicology, use patterns, etc. of listed and related chemicals as potential candidates for low-priority-substance designation. 

The selected applicant learn how to:

  • collaborate with chemists, toxicologists, and policy experts to develop approaches to identify low-priority candidates for prioritization under TSCA.
  • evaluate and develop hazard and risk assessment methods, tools, databases and models; collect and analyze data in support of potential low-priority- substance designations.
  • conduct analyses on strategies and methodologies for chemical prioritization, screening, and assessment.
  • coordinate assembly of documents to integrate toxicological, chemical, and exposure information with policy explanations, justifications, and determinations.

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. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of EPA and is contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time in the Washington, DC area. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

Qualifications

Applicants should have received a B.S. or M.S. degree in a scientific field within five years of the appointment start date.  Applicants with a B.A. degree will be considered if the degree includes scientific courses.  Appropriate disciplines include Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Health, Public Health, Physical Sciences, and Mathematics.

To enhance the research experience, the Research Participant will have the ability to learn and apply:

  • how toxicology, chemistry, and related fields can be used to populate the Safer Chemical Ingredients List and identify chemical candidates for low-priority-substance designation;

  • to compile complete, high-quality chemical profiles using the best available information, based on systematic review principles;

  • how regulatory agencies use scientific information to implement statutory requirements and make decisions that impact human and environmental health; and

  • the role of anticipating and addressing the needs and concerns raised by diverse stakeholders, e.g., industry (chemical & product manufacturers, distributors, retailers), municipal and civic organizations (e.g., state governments, NGO’s), and consumers.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: LPR or U.S. Citizen
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree.
  • Academic Level(s): Graduate Students, Post-Bachelor's, Post-Master's, or Undergraduate Students.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (1 )
    • Engineering (1 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (1 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (2 )
    • Mathematics and Statistics (1 )
ORISE
ORISE ORISE GO
ORISE

The ORISE GO mobile app helps you stay engaged, connected and informed during your ORISE experience – from application, to offer, through your appointment and even as an ORISE alum!