EPA Fate and Effects of Oil and Spill Response Agents Fellowship

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-ORD-NRMRL-LMMD-2019-05-A
How to Apply

This is a repost of a previous posting. If you previously submitted your application to this reference code without the “-A” at the end, then you do not need to reply. Example: If you applied to “EPA-ORD-NERL-IO-2020-13” you do not need to reapply to “EPA-ORD-NERL-IO-2020-13-A”.

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
6/15/2020 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 Location: A research opportunity is currently available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL), Land Materials Management Division (LMMD) located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Research Project: The research participant will gain state of the science knowledge on the environmental behavior and toxicity of oil spill treating agents by engaging with EPA experts on the environmental fate and effects of petroleum. The research participant will be given opportunities to conduct research on oils treated with chemical agents and to study how in situ burning changes the chemistry and toxicity to aquatic organisms. The research participant will learn about the biodegradation of oils exposed to spill treating agents under polar conditions as part of EPA research using cultures of high latitude microbial communities. The research participant will receive guidance from international oil spill scientists on state of the science challenges, including determining which oil-water mixing approaches provide the greatest environmental realism. This learning opportunity will enhance the education of the participant by providing hands-on experience, and providing opportunities for presenting research results at scientific conferences, and publishing research articles in peer reviewed science journals.

Learning Objectives:
  • Experimental study design and problem-solving
  • Performing toxicity experiments with oil and chemical agents such as dispersants and herders, and various using oil-water mixing systems
  • Performing environmental fate experiments with oil and chemical agents using biodegradation and other fate testing systems
  • Training in petroleum ecotoxicology and chemistry. The research participant will collaborate with other scientists to process and analyze the results.
  • Developing oral and written summaries to inform mentors and collaborators about activities and results concerning research progress (e.g., presentations, posters, and manuscripts)
  • Communicating scientific findings by presenting results at scientific meetings
  • Publishing results in peer reviewed science journals

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Spring/Summer 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, related to the environmental chemistry and toxicology of petroleum, or be currently pursuing the degree and will reach completion by September 1, 2020. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Experience working with petroleum and/or oil spill response agents is desired.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • Degree: Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 months or anticipated to be received by 9/1/2020 11:59:00 PM.
  • Discipline(s):
    • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (2 )
    • Communications and Graphics Design (2 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (12 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (1 )
  • Veteran Status: Veterans Preference, degree received within the last 120 month(s).
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