EPA Aquatic Ecosystems Research Fellowship

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-ORD-CPHEA-PESD-2020-02
How to Apply
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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
8/17/2020 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 LocationTwo research opportunities are available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Public Health Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), Pacific Ecological Systems Division (PESD) located in Corvallis, Oregon.

Research Project: The research participants will have the opportunity to utilize existing and on-going national datasets on the biological, chemical and physical characteristics of streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands from the National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS; https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys), as well as landscape/watershed data (e.g., from StreamCat; https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/streamcat) to conduct research relative to improving assessments of ecological condition. The research participants will collaborate with a group of ca. 20 principal investigators and post-docs in the NARS team.

Research activities may include: (1) modeling of expected species composition (macroinvertebrates, fish, algae, wetland plants) in the absence of major anthropogenic disturbance; (2) setting threshold values to separate aquatic systems (or assemblages) in least disturbed condition from those in disturbed condition; (3) using ancillary landscape and watershed data to diagnose probable cause of impaired aquatic condition; and (4) establishing approach to identify remaining high-quality waters in each region of the conterminous U.S.

Learning Objectives: The research participant will have the opportunity to learn about EPA's research programs focused on the National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS), and research efforts aimed at improving the ecological assessments that NARS produces. The research participant will have opportunities to participate in planning research, analyzing data and writing peer-reviewed publications in collaboration with NARS PIs.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is John Stoddard (Stoddard.john@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Summer/Fall 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 have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree and will reach completion by September 2020. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:
  • Proficiency with large databases, preferably at the national scale
  • Familiarity/experience with data analysis software (i.e., R, Python, SAS)
  • Good communication and writing ability
  • Ability to collaborate with a team of scientists to plan, analyze and produce technical publications
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 9/30/2020 11:59:00 PM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (1 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (2 )
    • Engineering (1 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (10 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (5 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (1 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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