Effects of Fine Particle Sediments on Scleractinian Corals of Florida

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-ORD-NERL-IO-2020-04
How to Apply

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 references

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.

Application Deadline
4/2/2020 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone
Description

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity is currently available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling (CEMM), located in Gulf Breeze, Florida, at the Gulf Ecosystem Measurement and Modeling Division (GEMMD). EPA ORD recently reorganized and this is the newly named Center. This was formerly NHEERL/GED.

Coral reefs across the state of Florida have declined dramatically in the last 30 years. Because of recent coral losses linked to dredging activities in Florida, there is an urgent need for better characterization and understanding of sediment effects. This research project will examine, in a laboratory setting, the effects of fine-grain sediments, such as those suspended through dredging activities, on scleractinian coral. The research participant will collaborate with EPA and Florida Department of Environmental Protection personnel to better guide coral monitoring and mitigation in the upcoming dredging activities in Florida and other coastal zones world-wide.

Under EPA mentorship, the research participant may be involved in any or all of the following training activities:

  • Receive training in coral husbandry for research use
  • Compiling literature pertaining to effects of sediment on coral
  • Exploring and evaluating new experimental methodology
  • Conducting laboratory experiments on scleractinian coral using fine-grain sediment
  • Collecting and analyzing research data

The research participant may give oral presentations and have the opportunity to give a technical presentation at a scientific conference. The research participant may contribute to a manuscript, to be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

The mentor for this opportunity is Cheryl Hankins (hankins.cheryl@epa.gov).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 1, 2020

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 at EPA in the Gulf Breeze, Florida, area. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. 

Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at EPA. OPM can complete a background investigation only for individuals, including non-US citizens, who have resided in the US for the past three years.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees and will reach completion by the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

  • Knowledge of biology and/or physiology of scleractinian coral
  • Exceptional skill in data management, documenting activities, adhering to operating procedures, writing reports and scientific manuscripts, verbal and written communication
Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 6/1/2020 11:59:00 PM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (12 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (1 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
Affirmation

I certify that I have lived in the United States for the past three years.

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