EPA Fellowship on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Science, Policy, and Program Coordination

Organization
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Reference Code
EPA-OW-IO-2022-01
How to Apply
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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
11/7/2022 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: One research opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Water (OW), Immediate Office, located in Washington, DC.

Research Project: In October 2021, EPA announced the Agency’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap – EPA’s whole-of-agency approach for addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Under the Roadmap, EPA is coordinating both within and outside the Agency to take bold actions to research, restrict, and remediate PFAS. Under this research project, the participant will collaborate with EPA’s PFAS team both within the Office of Water and other offices at EPA to research the scientific, policy, and programmatic work underway on PFAS. This project will involve researching and analyzing the ongoing PFAS activities at EPA, other federal agencies, states, industry, NGOs, and academia; building skills in synthesizing, communicating, and collaborating among EPA’s PFAS team; and conducing data analysis and policy evaluation to support EPA’s efforts.

Learning ObjectivesUnder the guidance of a mentor, the participant will:

  • Gain firsthand awareness and understanding of federal agency processes, decision-making, and action to address a high-priority and interdisciplinary human health and environmental issue.
  • Apply academic experience and skills, and guidance from the EPA mentor and colleagues, toward developing synthesis documents and other research products to support EPA’s PFAS efforts.
  • Learn from EPA program experts about the specific statutory authorities and program priorities that are relevant to PFAS issues, and how scientific and technical information influences federal policymaking and programs.
  • Gain expertise and familiarity with the ways in which EPA interacts with other federal agencies and with external parties to develop, release, communicate, and implement federal scientific, policy, and programmatic actions.

Due to the inherently multi-media nature of PFAS issues, the participant will gain significant interdisciplinary experience in technical writing, internal and external communications, strategic thinking, and project management.

Mentor(s): The mentor(s) for questions about this opportunity is Matt Klasen (klasen.matthew@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s) directly.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Fall 2022.  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 StipendThe participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. At this time, the annual stipend for master's degrees is ~$61,947 and doctoral degrees is ~74,950. 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.OW@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a master's or doctoral degree in one of the relevant disciplines. Degree must have been received within the past five years.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
  • 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 (6 )
    • Earth and Geosciences (21 )
    • Engineering (27 )
    • Environmental and Marine Sciences (14 )
    • Life Health and Medical Sciences (48 )
    • Physics (16 )
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (29 )
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