• 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 and Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), Public Health & Integrated Toxicology Division (PHITD) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Research Project: This research opportunity aims to explore the cumulative impacts of environmental, social, and economic factors among community members living near wood pellet production facilities. The research participant will have the opportunity to be part of a team of EPA researchers who will 1) identify communities that are near wood pellet production facilities and 2) investigate whether and how community members perceive that these facilities and other social determinants of health collectively impact wellbeing. 

The geographic scope of this project is EPA Region 4: Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi. The research participant may travel to one or more communities that are near wood pellet production facilities.

Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant will have the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of the research project, which may include:

• Conducting a systematic grey literature review
• Engaging community organizations (e.g., faith-based organizations, nonprofits) and community members and assist in maintaining these relationships
• Coordinating a research study
• Conducting interviews and/or focus groups 
• Analyzing interview and/or focus group data using qualitative methods
• Writing manuscripts and presenting at professional conferences.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, and while interacting with an interdisciplinary team, the research learning objectives may include:

1. Learn to critically review and synthesize existing literature 
2. Gain experience in community engagement
3. Gain experience in study coordination
4. Gain experience in qualitative research methods
5. Learn to critically evaluate and synthesize results from research and communicate those results. 

Mentor(s): The mentor for this project is Mallory Turner (turner.mallory@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August 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 upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time, or part-time, and is negotiable.

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.

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 or be currently pursuing an associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.  

• Experience with and/or understanding of environmental justice concepts
• Experience working with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Ability to engage community members and organizations from diverse backgrounds
• Understanding of the social determinants of health, health equity, and/or other public health concepts
• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills among diverse audiences
• Eagerness to learn

Optional skills/experience:

• Experience in qualitative research methods, such as interviewing and coding interviews
• Knowledge of environmental science

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or currently pursuing.
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Communications and Graphics Design (3 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
  • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (2 )
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (29 )