Net Zero - Innovative Solutions-Oriented Projects Related to Resilience and Resource Security

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-ORD-NERL-SED-2018-08
How to Apply

A complete application consists of:

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.

Description

EPA’s National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) provides international leadership in exposure science and uses an integrated multidisciplinary approach to conduct relevant and responsive research to develop the knowledge and tools necessary to assess potential exposures and risks to emerging environmental threats, and mitigate exposures to known contaminants and environmental stressors.

This project involves research, development and demonstration of innovative technologies and translational research methods/ outputs in support of the EPA-Army collaborative resilience and resource security initiative called “Net-Zero.”

The research participant will have the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge in the research area of resilience and environmental technology and may be involved in the following activities:

  • Identifying potential water issues, such as infrastructure resilience, water and energy reuse, and materials recovery at military installations and civilian communities participating in the Net Zero Initiative
  • Identifying Net Zero linkages to regional economic and environmental needs and challenges related to community revitalization and disaster recovery
  • Translating science outputs and activities to real world problems and solutions that resonate with stakeholders
  • Participating on Net Zero project teams
  • Coordinating Net Zero efforts with project teams from the SHC and SSWR research program
  • Developing research summaries and other communications for technical and nontechnical audiences
  • Scientific synthesis, data analysis, report preparation and literature searches

The research participant will gain a working knowledge of how the EPA interacts within the federal government and with relevant stakeholders on issues related to resilience and translational science through participation in agency meetings, project team meetings, and scientific conferences. The research participant will better understand how to plan, track, and report on research activities. The research participant will gain hands on experience and new knowledge through direct participation in cutting edge translational science related to waste and materials management, water infrastructure, and resource conservation.

This training opportunity will provide the research participant with exposure to collaborative interagency efforts related to innovative technology identification and demonstration related to resource conservation and resilience. It will also advance the participant’s knowledge in project management and scientific communication.

This project involves the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies and approaches that advance the science of sustainable water, energy and materials management. The research project supports the ORD Net Zero/Net Positive Initiative and allied projects in the SSWR, HSRP and SHC research programs.

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 seven months, 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 in the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina area. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. 

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: December 1, 2018

Qualifications

The qualified candidate must have received a master's or doctoral degree in Environmental Science or Engineering, or a related science field (e.g., ecology, biology). Environmental Economics, or Social Sciences with an environmental focus is a plus. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills:

  • Experience in applied environmental and socio-environmental research

  • Experience in environmental and public health data analysis

  • Experience in stakeholder engagement and building trust with communities

  • Understanding of resource security and resilience principles

  • Project development and management

Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (1 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (45 )
    • Other Non-Science & Engineering (5 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (28 )