• 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.

*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 Public Health Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), Public Health and Environmental Systems Division (PHESD), Epidemiology Branch located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Research Project: This postdoctoral research opportunity aims to engage communities across multiple projects related to environmental health. The research participant will have the opportunity to assist in planning community engagement activities for the expansion of the Environmental Quality Index (EQI) to the community level. Additionally, with guidance from the mentor, the research participant will engage community stakeholders around community hazards and assets for hurricane-related flooding.

The research participant will be part of an EPA team of investigators that have developed the EQI. The research participant will identify key organizations and community members who would potentially use a community-level EQI and plan engagement activities with those communities. The research participant will identify assets and vulnerabilities in the context of hurricane-related flooding among community members in Robeson County, NC. For both projects, the individual will have the opportunity to engage with Tribal communities.

1. Qualitative research design
2. Project co-coordination
3. Community-based participatory research
4. Development of qualitative research instruments
5. Analysis of qualitative data

Mentor(s): The mentors for this opportunity are Anne Weaver (weaver.anne@epa.gov) and Danielle Lobdell (lobdell.danelle@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Winter 2021.  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 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.

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.

The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree with completion by the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within five years of the anticipated appointment start date.

• Knowledge of qualitative research methods, including: focus groups; stakeholder interviews; interview guides; thematic coding; within-case analysis; data management; community-based participatory research; project planning and coordination
• Skills and experience in oral and written communications; health communication and community outreach; and environmental/public health
• Experience working with Tribal communities
• Knowledge of environmental health, especially flooding-related issues or the EQI
• Experience managing, cleaning, and analyzing qualitative datasets using current software packages

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 1/31/2021 11:59:00 PM.
• Discipline(s):
  • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (2 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (3 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (4 )
• Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).