EPA Environmental Social Science Research Fellowship on Resilience, Disasters and Waste
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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 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response (CESER), Homeland Security Materials Management Division (HSMMD) located in Washington, D.C.
Research Project: The division's Community Resilience Advancement Branch (CRAB) conducts applied, environmental social science research on community resilience to disasters and homeland security incidents. It investigates how social systems shape risks and vulnerabilities for human health and the environment as related to disasters. It analyzes the socio-environmental dynamics of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Specific areas of inquiry are: disaster waste decision-making; community resilience and equity; and community engagement in environmental cleanups. Research products generated include scientific manuscripts, presentations, tools, workshops, and trainings to advance scientific thinking and help solve environmental problems related to disasters and homeland security incidents.
The research participant will enhance their ability to conduct applied social science research to help solve environmental problems. Under the guidance of the mentor, the research participant may gain experience in this area by:
- Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team.
- Contributing to the application of social science to environmental problems using one or more research methods (e.g. comparative case studies, literature reviews, modeling, GIS, indicators, interviews, secondary data, data analysis, focus groups, surveys).
- Development and dissemination of oral and written communication of environmental social science to diverse audiences (e.g. journal articles, reports, workshops and trainings, conference poster and presentations).
- Exposure to emerging research areas at the intersection of disasters and waste, including environmental justice.
Learning Objectives: The research participant will have the latitude to exercise independent initiative, innovation, and judgment in her/his research. The research participant may have the opportunity to interact with EPA research partners in other federal agencies, state and local government, academia, and community stakeholders. The research participant may also have the opportunity to attend technical meetings and workshops to present research.
Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Keely Maxwell (maxwell.keely@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: September 1, 2023. 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 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. The annual stipend range for this opportunity is $57,118 - $64,957. Click here for detailed information about full-time stipends. There will be an additional allowance for required travel or training.
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).
The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).
Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.EPA.ORD@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
The qualified candidate should have received a master's degree in one of the relevant fields (e.g. Social or Behavioral Science, Environmental Studies, Public Health, Communications). Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with quantitative and/or qualitative social science research methods, as applied to environmental, health, community, and/ or disaster-related topics.
- Experience working with local governments, community organizations and/or residents in different social and cultural contexts on issues related to disasters and/ or the environment.
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